The most important haul of Viking treasure unearthed in Britain in more than 150 years was announced on Thursday by the British Museum.
Father and son metal-detecting duo David and Andrew Whelan discovered 617 silver coins, a gilt silver vessel and a gold arm-ring near Harrogate in Yorkshire, northern England — former Viking territory.
The British Museum said the find was of global significance. The objects come from as far apart as Afghanistan, Ireland, Russia, Scandinavia and continental Europe.
The haul is thought to be worth up to £1-million.
It was probably buried for safekeeping by a wealthy Viking chief during the unrest that followed the conquest of the Viking kingdom of Northumbria in 927 by the Anglo-Saxon king Althestan.
Most of the smaller objects were hidden inside the silver gilt vessel, the centrepiece of the find, which itself was protected by a lead container, meaning the pieces were extremely well preserved.
The vessel was made in what is now France in the early ninth century.
Several coins are new or rare types and provide valuable information about England in the early 10th century.
The find was kept secret until it could be formally declared treasure. The Whelans, aged 60 and 35, are entitled to a 50% share of its sale price, along with the land owner.
The British Museum will need to raise the funds to buy it and put it on display.
It is the most important Viking hoard in Britain since one was unearthed at Cuerdale in north-west England in 1840 — the largest Viking hoard found in Western Europe.
“Finds such as this are invaluable in teaching us about our history,” said Culture Minister Margaret Hodge.
“I commend David and Andrew Whelan for their prompt and responsible reporting of this hugely significant find, which will enrich our understanding of the Vikings.” — AFP