These objects are steeped in local and national history.
Items of such high quality from the Anglo-Saxon period are extremely rare, and no objects like these have ever been found in this area before. As objects of art, they can be appreciated for the high-quality craftsmanship and artistic techniques employed in the Anglo-Saxon period. Each of the finds indicates very high social status inhabitants and the finest level of production, at particularly interesting periods for the area. Items like the large gold and garnet rings sit alongside the 10th century Leeds Parish Church cross fragments (already on display in Leeds City Museum) as signs of a confident new Anglo-Scandinavian identity, something which has not yet been explored.
The discovery of these objects buried in the ground raises intriguing questions:
Who did these high-status objects belong to?
Why were they buried?
Why did nobody return to retrieve them?
Much research is needed to try to answer these and many other questions.
What will Leeds Museums and Galleries do with The West Yorkshire Hoard?
If we are successful in helping raise enough funds to purchase the Hoard, these magnificent finds will be displayed in Leeds City Museum to be enjoyed by the people of West Yorkshire and beyond for future generations. They will also be the focus of teaching and research between Leeds Museums and Galleries and The University of Leeds Institute of Medieval Studies, who will help to unravel its story.