The wait is over and the Staffordshire Hoard has returned albeit temporarily to Lichfield.
The touring exhibition will feature more than 40 star items displayed in the Cathedral Chapter House from tomorrow 30th July until Sunday August 21st. Over 14,350 visitors will be visiting the exibition and all tickets have been allocated. So I have had a very exciting afternoon being part of the priveledged few to visit the Hoard and chat to Canon Pete Wilcox Chancellor of Lichfield Cathedral. "We are thrilled that so many people are coming to Lichfield Cathedral to experience the Staffordshire Hoard first hand this Summer and we are very grateful to eveyone involved for making this exciting exhibition a reality for the city of Lichfield". I walked around in awe at the intracate and delicate pieces on display and to think they were found just up the road in Hammerwich by amateur metal detectorist Terry Herbert. From the cloisonne garnets featured in many of the pieces it was hard to say which was my favourite piece on display but I am leaning towards the beautiful stylised seahorse. Let me know which is your favourite piece.
Also on display is the magnificent and newly housed St Chad Gospels (which is approximately 50 years older than the famous Irish Book of Kells ). This is really worth checking out!
So not only are you able to see 40 star items from the Hoard you will also get to see some of the Anglo-Saxon treasures that Lichfield Cathedral has to offer.
Enjoy your visit to our very own treasure here in Lichfield!
