Stoke Row community unite to bring unique treasure to the Oxfordshire Museum
An early medieval treasure hoard is now in the hands of Oxfordshire County Council’s museum service to go on display following a successful fundraising campaign by residents in Stoke Row.
Dating back to the mid seventh to eight centuries, the hoard contains 21 complete and fragmentary silver pennies known as sceattas. It was discovered by a metal detector user back in 2018.
Upon its discovery Curator of Archaeology at the Oxfordshire Museum service, Angie Bolton, approached the local parish council with the idea of a community fundraiser.
Parish Councillor, Roger Clayson, who was heavily involved in the efforts, explained: “The museum service had expressed an interest to acquire the hoard through the Treasure Act and needed to raise hoard at £1,300, which is what it had been valued at.
“When the parish council was contacted about the find, and the funding shortfall, our clerk Gary Wilson got straight on it, publishing the news on our website and Facebook page to encourage people to get involved and donate. In tandem with that, I got my address book to work, contacting major village businesses.”
The campaign also benefited from the support of the Nettlebed Estate and a number of popular local businesses who, along with councillors and residents, embraced the challenge.
Roger, who has lived in Stoke Row for more than 30 years, continued: “Six businesses replied to our emails, including one very popular one, who is always getting great social media reconnection. The Nettlebed Estate committed to the majority funding, with our parishioners also responding to the Facebook posts.
“Stoke Row always responds to a call to action, when it’s for the benefit of our village, raising money for disadvantaged residents, restoring village assets, or in this case keeping a medieval coin find in Oxfordshire.”
Councillor Neil Fawcett, Deputy Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “These treasures are particularly special as they’re the very first hoard of sceattas in the museum’s collection. The size of the hoard, and the date, make it one of national and regional importance too.
“We’d like to thank the individual donors, businesses and Friends of the Oxfordshire Museum who supported this fundraising campaign to bring this magnificent hoard into public ownership for all to enjoy.
“Without their support we may not have been successful in our fundraising endeavours. The help and support of Stoke Row Parish Councillors is also very much valued and appreciated.”
The collection will go on display later in 2026 following conservation works.
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