Books

Books : reviews

Chris Fern, Tania Dickinson, Leslie Webster.
The Staffordshire Hoard: an Anglo-Saxon treasure.
Society of Antiquiaries of London. 2019

In July 2009 the discovery of the Staffordshire Hoard by a metal-detectorist immediately captured the world’s attention, Comprising almost 6kg of precious-metal objects, and found in a deliberately dismantled state, it remains the largest Anglo-Saxon treasure ever discovered. Work on conserving and researching the Hoard has revealed a wealth of information on the high culture of the ruling class of seventh-century England at a critical period of warfare and religious conversion.

The Staffordshire Hoard: An Anglo-Saxon Treasure tells the story of the Hoard’s discovery, its acquisition for the nation, and the six-year research project that pieced its fragments back together, identified its objects and explored their manufacture. Written by a team of specialists in Anglo-Saxon archaeology and history, and expert conservators with unparalleled access to the Hoard, the text is illustrated wan full-colour photographs, maps and explanatory drawings. Key chapters discuss the decoration and meaning of the Hoard’s intricate ornament, the techniques of Anglo-Saxon crafsmen, the religious and historical background, and hoarding practice in Britain and Europe, to place this most exceptional find in context. Finally, the text explores the impact that the find has had locally, nationally and internationally in the twenty-first century.