Archaeologists Discover 11th-Century Coins at UK Power Plant Site
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Archaeologists in the UK recently discovered a 1,000-year-old treasure at a surprising location — a construction site for a nuclear power plant. The team from Oxford Cotswold Archaeology (OCA) found 321 silver coins at the Sizewell C nuclear power station site in Suffolk, England.
The coins date back to 1036-1044, almost 200 years before the Magna Carta and decades before the Battle of Hastings. They were found in excellent condition, wrapped in cloth and lead sheeting. Researchers compared the bundle to the shape of a Cornish pasty. The coins were buried at the junction of two medieval field ditches, suggesting the owner deliberately hid them.
The coins were minted during the reigns of three English kings from the House of Wessex: Harold I, Harthacnut, and Edward the Confessor. Most were made in London, but others came from towns like Norwich, Ipswich, and Lincoln. This was a turbulent period in English history, as the monarchy transitioned between these rulers, leading up to the Norman Conquest in 1066.
Experts believe the coins’ owner might have hidden them during a political regime change. When Edward the Confessor became king in 1043, some wealthy people lost their property or were exiled. The owner may have buried the coins for safety, intending to return later. However, they may have died, been unable to find the spot, or were prevented from retrieving them.
The treasure was worth 320 pence at the time, roughly equal to the value of 16 cows based on historical prices. While this was a significant amount, it wasn’t royal wealth. Experts think the coins likely belonged to a wealthy local farmer or someone of moderate importance in their community.
OCA coin specialist Alexander Bliss explained that studying the hoard involved contributions from experts in coins, archaeology, and conservation. He said the discovery sheds light on the uncertainty and challenges of Edward the Confessor’s rise to power. Bringing this historical story to life, Bliss added, has been a great privilege for the team.
