Staffordshire Hoard
Items from The Staffordshire Hoard are available to view at Tamworth Castle. They form part of our new 'Battle & Tribute' exhibition about Anglo-Saxon Tamworth.
In 2009, a metal detectorist discovered a hoard of Anglo-Saxon military gold and silver, in a field by the A5 not far from Tamworth.
The valuable hoard items are the possessions of Anglo-Saxon kings and princes, their royal households and warrior retinues. It includes decorative hilts, pommels, pyramids and buttons from elite swords, fragments from a single magnificent gold helmet, as well as religious items and ceremonial gold and garnet fittings.
The discovery of the hoard continues to have a significant impact on Tamworth and in highlighting its importance as the centre of the Kingdom of Mercia in Anglo-Saxon England.
It has provided a unique glimpse into life in 7th century England and the world of its warrior elite.
Tamworth Castle is one of only three locations allowed to display pieces from the 4,000-item collection.
Our journey with the hoard started in 2011 when the castle hosted a temporary exhibition of a selection of star pieces. Thousands of available tickets were snapped up immediately, attracting visitors from far and wide.
In 2012, it was confirmed that Tamworth Castle would continue to receive pieces of the hoard to display as part of the Tamworth Story. The creation of the new Battle and Tribute exhibition represents an investment of more than £750,000 into Tamworth Castle, including a £499,900 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and has enabled us to show off these stunning pieces in a more contextual setting.
The Staffordshire Hoard collection is jointly owned by Birmingham City Council and Stoke-on-Trent City Council on behalf of the nation, and is cared for by Birmingham Museums Trust and The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent. The acquisition of the Staffordshire Hoard was supported by the Art Fund and The National Heritage Memorial Fund.
There is no additional charge to view this exhibition - normal admission charges apply. Book online
Learn more about the Staffordshire Hoard
2025 UPDATE - NEW ITEMS NOW ON DISPLAY!
In February 2025 the castle received 18 previously unseen pieces of the Staffordshire Hoard to add to our display.
We are also proud to announce that our Anglo-Saxon gallery now includes the long-awaited and much requested Glascote Torc. The Iron Age gold alloy collar has finally returned to its hometown, previously held in safe keeping by Birmingham Museum Trust, now displayed in the castle for all visitors to see for the next three years.
