A serendipitous discovery during a home renovation project in South Poorton Farm, Dorset, England, has unearthed a remarkable historical treasure – a hoard of over 1,000 gold and silver coins dating back nearly 400 years. This extraordinary find was made by Betty and Robert Fooks in 2019, while they were renovating the kitchen of their cottage.
As Robert Fooks diligently removed layers of flooring, he stumbled upon a broken glazed-ceramic vessel buried within a layer of soil that had remained undisturbed for centuries. The vessel contained a treasure trove of coins, some of which were in mint condition.
After contacting local authorities, the coins were sent to the British Museum for cleaning and identification. Experts determined that the coins were likely deposited during a single event between 1642 and 1644, based on their mint dates. The collection, known as the Poorton Coin Hoard, includes various denominations, ranging from modest sixpences to a highly coveted gold “unite” coin. Notably, the coins bear the effigies of several English monarchs, including Edward VI, Mary, Elizabeth I, James I, and Charles I.
The coins were auctioned off individually or in groups on April 23, with a single gold coin of Charles I fetching the highest price of 5,000 British pounds ($6,260). The coins garnered considerable interest, with some lots exceeding their estimated value.
The period during which the coins were concealed, 1642 to 1644, coincides with the first English Civil War, a conflict between supporters of King Charles I and Parliament. As warfare during this time often involved the plundering of adversaries’ property, it is believed that the coins were buried for safekeeping with the hope of later retrieval.
However, fate had other plans, and the treasure remained hidden for centuries until its fortuitous discovery during the recent home renovation. While the owner’s intent to retrieve the coins was never realized, their historical significance serves as a tangible reminder of a tumultuous period in English history.
