Chart The Footsteps of The Mercians with The Staffordshire Hoard on Tour!

This summer, follow in the footsteps of our ancestors and embark on a voyage of Anglo Saxon discovery at the first ever touring exhibition of glittering items from the famous Staffordshire Hoard.

The series of free exhibitions will run from 2 July–18 Septemberand chart the exploits of the bloodthirsty Mercians through the heartland of the Anglo-Saxon Kingdom of Merica, with each venue giving visitors a chance to explore a different aspect of the internationally renowned collection.

The grand tour begins in Stafford at Shire Hall Gallery (2-24 July) where visitors can find out how the hoard was unearthed, what archaeological methods were used and how the soil revealed untold mysteries and stories. There will also be a chance to discover how diligent archaeologists worked in secret to save the Staffordshire Hoard for the nation!

The tour then moves to Lichfield Cathedral (30 July-21 August), the origins of which are rooted in the same era that scholars believe the hoard was buried. At this grand venue, visitors can delve into the ‘Christianisation’ of Mercia and the heroic figure of St Chad. This exhibition will also explore the significance of some of the most famous items in the collection, the folded cross, the pectoral cross and the Biblical inscription.

The Hoard will reach its final destination in the ancient capital of Mercia at Tamworth Castle (27 Aug-18 Sept) once home to the King of Mercia’s palace. In homage to the Anglo-Saxon military history of the town, this section of the tour presents the opportunity to discover the bloodthirsty nature of the military items in the hoard, and handle replica sword and helmets! There will also be film footage of the find and a host of interactive exhibits to bring the tour to life.

Discovered in 2009 in a field in Lichfield by amateur metal detectorist Terry Herbert, The Staffordshire Hoard is the largest collection of Anglo-Saxon gold and silver metalwork ever found.

Consisting of around 3500 items the collection has been dated to the 7th or 8th Centuries, placing the origin of the items in the violent and grisly time of the Kingdom of Mercia. This summer’s displays are set to feature more than 40 star items from the world’s largest find of Anglo Saxon gold, including the pectoral cross, the biblical inscription and the seahorse.

For further information about The Staffordshire Hoard On Tour simply visit staffordshirehoard.org.uk, follow them at @StaffsHoard on Twitter, or become a fan of the Staffordshire Hoard fanpage on Facebook.

For more information about events in and around Staffordshire this Summer visit www.enjoystaffordshire.com, join the Enjoy Staffs Facebook Fanpage or follow us on Twitter @EnjoyStaffs.