Exclusive Guided Access to the Staffordshire Hoard

Strategic Insights -

Visitors to the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery can now book exclusive, guided access sessions to see the Staffordshire Hoard, one of the world's most celebrated Anglo-Saxon treasure hoards. The guided access sessions, running from 19 July to 30 August, offer a unique opportunity to explore the hoard's history and significance with a member of the museum team on hand to answer questions. The Staffordshire Hoard contains over 4,000 objects, including swords, helmets, and other war-gear, and is considered one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in the UK.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Staffordshire Hoard is the largest collection of Anglo-Saxon gold and silver metalwork ever found, with over 4,000 objects and broken fragments.
  • The hoard was buried in the 7th century AD and was discovered in 2009 by local metal-detectorist Terry Herbert in a field near Hammerwich, Staffordshire.
  • The guided access sessions are free and run for one hour, with advance booking essential due to limited group sizes.
  • Tickets are available through the Birmingham Museums website and offer a unique opportunity to connect with the hoard's remarkable craftsmanship and significance.
  • Dr. Toby Watley, director of collections and estate at Birmingham Museums Trust, described the guided access sessions as a "wonderful opportunity to explore the Hoard's extraordinary craftsmanship and significance."
  • The staffordshire hoard contains just under 4,000 objects, most of which are war-gear.

Statistics:

  • 4000: The number of objects and broken fragments in the Staffordshire Hoard.
  • 7th century AD: The time period when the Staffordshire Hoard was buried.
  • 2009: The year when the Staffordshire Hoard was discovered by local metal-detectorist Terry Herbert.
  • 73: The number of acres of farmland where Terry Herbert found the stuff.
  • 4,500: The total number of objects that the finds have been matched up to and dated.

Sources:

  • Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery press release, dated July 17, 2025, available on M2 COMMUNICATIONS RDATE:16072025.