Golden opportunity for visitors to Hoard
The regional development agency believes acquisition of the Staffordshire Hoard will spark a county tourism boom.
The regional development agency believes acquisition of the Staffordshire Hoard will spark a county tourism boom.
Advantage West Midlands has welcomed the news that £3.3 million was raised to buy the Anglo-Saxon treasure.Part will be displayed in Stoke-on Trent.
AWM head of tourism and culture Nigel Russell said that not only was it a stunning historical find, but staying in the region could bring a welcome, major boost to the local economy. The collection of 1,500 gold and silver pieces may date to the 6th century.
It is said by experts to be unparalleled in size. It has already attracted major international interest.
AWM is one of the partners which have been working towards keeping the treasure in the region since it was found buried in a field near Brownhills by a metal detectorist in July 2009.
The find has now been safely secured for Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery and the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery.
The hoard could form part of a proposal for the creation of a Mercian Trail within the region, with key landmark exhibitions at Birmingham and Stoke, which would explore Staffordshire's own Anglo-Saxon history and the county's early pottery history.
The trail would also take in other parts of the region – exploring the links to early Christendom, the Lichfield Angel and St Chad gospel at Lichfield Cathedral, and the links to the region's military history, kingship and governance at Tamworth Castle.
Mr Russell said: "This amazing find will deliver economic benefits through increased tourism and help improve the profile, image and perceptions of the region. The region's position as the birthplace of the industrial heritage is acknowledged worldwide and is enjoyed by millions of visitors every year. The Staffordshire Hoard now presents a unique opportunity to tell the story of the region's ancient past, and its position as the Kingdom of Mercia – central to the Anglo-Saxon history and heritage of the UK."
AWM is currently working with regional partners to identify funding to ensure this world-class, once in a lifetime find, can be enjoyed by the many visitors it will bring to the region."
