Birmingham determined to hold on to historic gems

Nov 27 2009 by Jane Tyler, Birmingham Mail

BIRMINGHAM today pledged its determination to keep the Staffordshire Hoard in the Midlands after it was officially valued at £3.285 million.

That is the price put on the 1,800 pieces of 7th and 8th Century gems found in a field near Burntwood, Staffordshire, earlier this year.

Birmingham, along with Stoke-on-Trent City Council, want to exhibit the pieces at both cities and so far have raised nearly £40,000 towards their total.

They have been given four months to raise the cash before the hoard is offered elsewhere.

The amateur metal detector enthusiast, Terry Herbert, and landowner Fred Johnson will share the £3.285 million.

When the treasure was displayed at Birmingham Museum in September over 42,000 queued for hours to see it.

There will be a further public appeal to increase the £40,000 already raised.

Collection boxes for donations are available in Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery and the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery for donations, or they can be made online at www.bmag.org.uk/support-us.