THE Staffordshire Hoard has been “saved for the nation” after a cash boost from a Government heritage fund.
The collection – the largest ever find of Anglo-Saxon gold – was unearthed on Staffordshire farmland by a metal detector enthusiast last year and later valued at £3.3m.
The National Heritage Memorial Fund (NHMF), the Government’s fund of last resort for heritage items at risk, yesterday pledged £1,285,000.
The grant, added to the amount already raised during a nationwide fundraising drive, means that the hoard can now be purchased and displayed permanently in the UK.
The fundraising drive to ensure the hoard remained in the region where it was found was overseen by The Art Fund, an independent charity.
A spokeswoman said: “The Art Fund is delighted to announce that the Staffordshire Hoard, the largest archaeological Anglo-Saxon find ever unearthed, has been saved for the nation.”
