Villagers' campaign helps buy treasure hoard

An early medieval treasure hoard will go on public display next year after villagers led a fundraising campaign to keep it in Oxfordshire.

The 21 complete and fragmentary silver pennies, known as sceattas, were discovered by a metal detectorist in 2018 in Stoke Row, near Henley.

Dating back to the mid-seventh and eighth centuries, Stoke Row parish councillors, businesses and the Nettlebed Estate helped raise the £1,300 needed for the Oxfordshire Museum Service to acquire them through the Treasure Act.

Neil Fawcett, Oxfordshire County Council's deputy leader, said: "These treasures are particularly special as they're the very first hoard of sceattas in the museum's collection."

He added: "The size of the hoard, and the date, make it one of national and regional importance too.

"We'd like to thank the individual donors, businesses and Friends of the Oxfordshire Museum who supported this fundraising campaign to bring this magnificent hoard into public ownership for all to enjoy.

"Without their support we may not have been successful in our fundraising endeavours. The help and support of Stoke Row parish councillors is also very much valued and appreciated."

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