The Chew Valley Hoard Project
An exciting place-based project delivered Valley Arts, in partnership with South West Heritage Trust and supported by Arts Council England and Bristol Water.
In January 2019, seven people were metal detecting in a Somerset field when they made one of the most extraordinary discoveries in British history.
Just beneath the surface: 2,584 silver coins, buried for nearly a thousand years. Nobody knows who put them there. Nobody knows why they never came back.
This summer, the community that lives on that same land is telling its story. And we’d love you to be part of it!
The Story
One of Britain’s greatest finds. Right here!
The 2,584 coins span one of the most dramatic moments in English history: the Norman Conquest. Harold II, William the Conqueror, and one solitary coin of Edward the Confessor, all buried together around 1067 or 1068. Valued at £4.3 million and acquired for the nation by South West Heritage Trust, the hoard is now coming home to Somerset, where it will be permanently displayed at the Museum of Somerset in Taunton.
But before it does, it’s coming back to the Chew Valley for one big summer of celebration! Want to get involved? Here’s how…
What’s Happening
What’s on
Across village halls, schools, and outdoor spaces, something special is taking shape. Workshops are running, scripts are written, rehearsals are underway. And there are still plenty of ways to be part of it, from free drop-in workshops to a spectacular outdoor show, the Chew Valley Hoard Project has something for every age and every level of involvement…
Every Coin Tells a Story
Saturday 20 June
The Old School Rooms Complex, Chew Magna
(upper hall, lower hall, courtyard and millenium hall)
A free community celebration day in Chew Magna, where a small selection of the actual hoard coins will be on public display in the South West for the very first time. South West Heritage Curator Amal Khreisheh will be giving talks throughout the day on the history of the Chew Valley Hoard as well as offering an opportunity to see the coins close-up. Expect a wonderfully busy community day packed with hands-on activities, live music, storytelling, and lots more to keep the whole family busy and learning.
Free, drop-in, with activities for all ages.
Finders Keepers – A Valley Arts Production
Saturday 18 & Sunday 19 July
Yeo Valley Organic Garden, Blagdon
Who buried the coins? Nobody knows. But five local writers, working with two professional playwrights, have imagined six possible suspects, and put them all on trial.
Six suspects. Five are telling the truth. One is lying. And it’s up to the audience to decide which of them is the treasure traitor.
Performed by local residents of all ages, in the beautiful outdoor setting of Yeo Valley Organic Garden, this is a thrilling comedy of deception, double-crossing, and dodgy French accents, presided over by the suspiciously glamorous Clawdia Twinkleclaw.
If you saw Rising Waters or Hidden Voices, you’ll know what to expect. If you didn’t, picture this: a summer evening in a stunning garden, forty of your neighbours doing something you absolutely didn’t expect, a story that’ll stick with you, a day you’ll never forget. Come and see what this valley is capable of and why community really matters.
Community Activities
There are lots of ways to get involved and be part of this story before the show. All free, all open to everyone.
Crafting sessions: Make your own Norman coin
Come and make a coin with Chew Magna artist Giuliana Terran. Your coin might even be displayed at Yeo Valley Organic Garden as part of the show.
Thursday 28 May, 2pm to 4.30pm, Chew Valley Library, Bishop Sutton
Friday 29 May, 10am to 1pm, East Harptree Pavilion
Drop-in, no need to book, suitable for all ages
Chew Chat Hoard Takeover: Fridays in May
Millennium Hall, Chew Magna, 10am to 11.30am. Everyone welcome.
Friday 1 May: Creative writing with Kesty Morrison
Friday 8 May: Heritage talk with Geraldine Hill-Male
Friday 15 May: Creative writing with Kesty Morrison, plus coin embossing with Giuliana Terran
Friday 22 May: Creative writing with Kesty Morrison
Primary school workshops
Youth Theatre leader Laura Davies and artist Giuliana Terran are delivering 17 workshops working across eight local primary schools with key-stage 1, creating their very own coins to bring to the show in July. If you’ve a child at primary school in the Chew Valley area they will likely be taking part and will receive a Chew Valley Hoard Activity Pack to take home and complete.
Be part of something big
This project belongs to the Chew Valley. Here’s how you can be part of it:
Book tickets for Finders Keepers at Yeo Valley Organic Garden, 18 and 19 July
Come to a free session: crafting, workshops, Chew Chat, or the Celebration Day on 20 June
Volunteer: we’re looking for help front of house, backstage, and with props and costumes
Get in touch at cvhoard@valley-arts.co.uk or find out more at valley-arts.co.uk
The Chew Valley Hoard Project is delivered by Valley Arts in partnership with South West Heritage Trust, with support from Arts Council England, Bristol Water and the Mendip Hills Fund
