Community effort saves treasure hoard for public

An early medieval treasure hoard is set to go on display following a fundraising campaign by South Oxfordshire village residents.

The hoard, which was discovered by a metal detector user in 2018, dates back to the mid-seventh to eight Centuries and contains 21 complete and fragmentary silver pennies known as sceattas.

Angie Bolton, curator of archaeology at the Oxfordshire Museum, approached Stoke Row Parish Council in Henley-on-Thames with the idea of a community fundraiser.

The collection is now held by Oxfordshire County Council's museum service and will be displayed later in 2026, following conservation works.

The campaign received support from councillors and residents, as well as the Nettlebed Estate, which has connection to the Fleming family, and several local businesses.

Roger Clayson, chair of the parish council and resident for more than 30 years, said the hoard had been valued at £1,300.

He added that clerk Gary Wilson "got straight on it", encouraging people to donate after the news had been published on its website and Facebook page.

Mr Clayson said the Nettlebed Estate had committed to the majority funding.

"Stoke Row always responds to a call to action, when it's for the benefit of our village, raising money for disadvantaged residents, restoring village assets, or in this case keeping a medieval coin find in Oxfordshire."

Lib Dem Neil Fawcett, deputy leader of the county council, called the treasures "particularly special as they're the very first hoard of sceattas in the museum's collection".

"The size of the hoard, and the date, make it one of national and regional importance too," he said.

"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."

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