The British History Podcast 68 – Staffordshire Hoard: A Bonus Update on the New Find
Jan 8, 2013
The head curator discusses the inquest for the 81 new objects in the Staffordshire Hoard. Recent discoveries include gold and silver fragments, warrior designs, and modern artifacts. The findings suggest Anglo-Saxon visits and raise questions about artifact placement. The fieldwork methods used for excavation and cataloging process are explored. The mix of materials in the hoard generates interest among various individuals.
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Why Treasure Law Targets Gold And Silver
- British treasure law focuses on high-value items (gold/silver) older than 300 years rather than policing all detector finds.
- This pragmatic approach increased reporting from metal-detector users and improved archaeological recovery across England and Wales.
Pragmatism Over Prohibition Increased Finds
- Allowing responsible metal detecting (with treasure rules) yields far more finds than banning it outright would.
- The law's pragmatism encourages detectorists to report finds, boosting archaeological knowledge.
New Finds Link Directly To The Hoard
- The new 81-object group contains gold, silver foils, garnet cloisonné and a matched 'cheek piece' resembling earlier helmet fragments.
- These finds strengthen the connection between the new material and the original Staffordshire Hoard.