Largest ever hoard of Anglo-Saxon gold found

Archaeologists have uncovered the largest ever hoard of Anglo-Saxon gold in a Lancashire field.

Around 1,500 pieces were recovered, including weapons, coins and ornate crosses.

In total the hoard adds up to 5kg of gold – three times the amount found at the famous Sutton Hoo ship burial in 1939.

The first artefacts, which date back to the 7th Century, were found back in July by amateur metal detector Terry Herbert.

Commenting, Leslie Webster, former keeper of the department of prehistory at the British Museum said: 'This is going to alter our perceptions of Anglo-Saxon England as radically, if not more so, as the Sutton Hoo discoveries.'

Mr Herbert, 55, came across the hoard as he searched a field belonging to a friend. The exact location, however, has not been disclosed.

The artefacts went on display at Birmingham City Museum on Thursday.

A coroner's inquest earlier ruled the hoard could be declared treasure, meaning the items now belong to the Crown and therefore Mr Herbert will be eligible for a 'finder's fee' which could be up to half the value of the hoard.