AN EXCEPTIONALLY rare ninth-century coin hoard discovered in a field close to Bickmarsh near Bidford is offering a remarkable new window into life during the Anglo-Saxon period.
The coins date from the Anglo-Saxon period, when different kingdoms ruled England, and most were made for King Burgred of Mercia.
Finds like this are very rare in Worcestershire, making the hoard especially important and experts believe the coins were buried between AD 871 and 874.
Metal detectorists and archaeologists work together to uncover further coins. s
The site lies close to the line of Ryknild Street, a Roman road constructed in the late first century AD, and within walking distance of Bidford, itself an important settlement during the early medieval period.
The period was a time of trouble when Viking armies were moving across England and one theory is that the coins may have been hidden to keep them safe, with the intention of returning later.
Some of the coins came from other parts of Europe, showing that people travelled and traded over long distances.
The initial discovery was made by metal detectorists from Go Detecting (Midlands) Ltd in 2022.
At first, they uncovered just a few silver coins, but it soon became clear there were many more with 63 coins in total discovered.
After the find was reported, archaeologists from Worcestershire County Council’s archaeology team carried out surveys and excavations to understand what had been found.
Councillor Ian Cresswell, cabinet member for environment and communities said: “This is a fascinating discovery that provides a new glimpse into Worcestershire’s past.
“It’s a great example of how the work of our archaeology team and partners helps bring our history to life and connect us to our heritage.”
Through new research, the project is now sharing insights into the hoard and what it can tell us about the people who lived in Worcestershire more than 1,100 years ago.
The project is led by Worcestershire County Council’s Historic Environment Record (HER), working in partnership with the Portable Antiquities Scheme.
Information about the hoard will be added to the HER site, which keeps track of important archaeological sites, finds and historic places across Worcestershire.
Visit the Explore the Past blog series on https://www.explorethepast.co.uk/2026/04/uncovering-the-bickmarsh-hoard/ for more information.
