Art Funded by you

Anglo Saxon gold hoard

Unknown artist, 7th to 11th centuries

This hoard of material is made up of four complete gold finger rings, part of a gold cloisonné brooch, a piece of gold ingot, and a lead spindle whorl. Pieces of such high quality from the Anglo-Saxon period are extremely rare, and no objects like these have ever been found in Leeds before. Given their quality, the finds probably belonged to individuals of high social standing. This sheds an interesting light on our understanding of early Anglo-Saxon history, thought previously to consist mainly of decline and social collapse. Elite metalwork objects like the earliest finds in this collection overturn the old view and hint instead at the existence of robust social hierarchies and international chains of trade and influence. The Friends of Leeds City Museums and The Leeds Philosophical and Literary Society launched a campaign to keep this spectacular and historic hoard of golden treasure in Leeds. This hoard was acquired with assistance from the Wolfson Foundation.

More information

Title of artwork, date

Anglo Saxon gold hoard, 7th to 11th centuries

Date supported

2012

Medium and material

Gold, garnet and lead

Dimensions

Various dimensions

Grant

30000

Total cost

171310

Content note: This object record is part of our archive and has not been updated since it was first published. It may contain inaccurate information or outdated language. Please get in touch if you think this record should be amended.

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