Thetford Hoard

The Thetford Hoard is a 4th century CE Hoard of Romano-British metalwork found in 1979 near Thetford in Norfolk, and consisting of 81 Gold and Silver items.
The Hoard is now located in Room 49 in the British Museum in London. The reason for the burial of the hoard is not known.

The Gold items consist of an amulet pendant, a buckle, a pair of bracelets and a collection of rings.
The Silver items are tableware consisting of 33 spoons and 3 strainers, which are considered to have been made for a decorative rather than utilitarian purpose.

The Hoard dates to the late fourth century CE, but is unusual in that the items hold Pagan inscriptions and images.
It is possible the Hoard was buried after the Edict of Thessalonica in 380 CE, ending all Pagan religions throughout the Roman Empire.

The Eye Hoard
- Another Hoard, known as the Eye Hoard, which was discovered earlier in 1781 CE, at Clint Farm, Eye, consisted of 600 gold coins dating from 364-423 CE.
- Although the Hoxne Hoard was found much later in 1992, both Hoards were in almost the same location.
- Unfortunately, the Eye Hoard has now been dispersed.
- However, since both hoards were found in a similar location, and both date from almost exactly the same period, it is possible that they may be linked to each other.
The Hoxne Hoard
- In 1992, this Hoard was found 3 miles (5 km) away from Eye, in Hoxne, Suffolk, packed entirely into a wooden chest in a field near the river Waveney.
- The Hoxne Hoard consists of 14,865 gold, silver and bronze Roman coins. The earliest coin dates from 367 CE and the latest coin from 408 CE (the Roman Occupation ended in 410 CE).
- In addition to the coins, there are almost 200 items of Gold Jewelery and Silver Tableware Items, the latter consisting of 98 Silver spoons and ladles, many of which are gilded.
- It is the greatest Hoard of Roman Gold and Silver coins to be found in Britain, and the greatest Hoard of late 4th century CE coins ever to be found in the Roman Empire.

Thetford