We’re asking for your help to save an important piece of historic treasure, discovered near Stopham, within Chichester District.
In 2022 a rare Anglo-Saxon gold and garnet pyramidal mount was found by a metal detectorist near Stopham. The piece dates to AD 600-700 and is only the second of its kind found in West Sussex.
The only other example of this type of pyramidal mount found in West Sussex was acquired by the British Museum in 1981. This example was incomplete, making the Stopham mount a very rare and incredibly important find for the local area.
With your help, we’re hoping to raise the funds required to purchase this local treasure, keeping it within Chichester District and ensuring its accessibility for the wider community to appreciate for generations to come.
If we’re unsuccessful in raising the funding required to purchase the Stopham mount British Museum will be given the opportunity to acquire it for their collection. If they decline, there is a real possibility this important find could be sold privately, which we believe would be a tragic loss for our local heritage. This scenario would mean the Stopham mount would not be publicly accessible, or possibly even remain in the local area, and means research and display potential diminishes.
About the Stopham Saxon Mount
The mount, which measures 16.14 mm in height, was likely attached to a strap which helped secure a sword to its scabbard.
The mount has a square base with rounded corners, and four main triangular faces forming a flat top. Each side is decorated with an almost identical intricate design of gold cells set with plate and bar garnets mounted over waffle stamped gold foils. The number and complex arrangement of the cells make it both aesthetically pleasing and adds historical value.
The base of the mount comprises an openwork thick gold sheet, pierced with two half-round apertures divided by a central bar under which a strap could be threaded.
Why is this piece important?
Only one other incomplete example of this type of mount has previously been found in West Sussex. This makes this second discovery very rare and an incredibly important find for the local area, with wonderful potential for both display and further research for the wider community to appreciate for generations to come.
Other pyramidical mounts have been found nationally, notably the Sutton Hoo and Staffordshire Hoard assemblages, however this example is complex due to the animal heads represented on the sides of the piece.
The Stopham mount carries huge potential for further research, which will allow discussions to continue regarding the purpose of these objects and the symbolism with which they are often adorned. If successful in raising the funds to purchase this piece, the Stopham mount will be accessible for researchers.
Why are we crowdfunding?
It’s important to keep this rare find within Chichester District and accessible to local residents, visitors and researchers.
With support from the Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund and a donation from the landowner, the museum is just one step away from acquiring this unique piece of local history. If successful in crowdfunding, the local treasure would be displayed in the museum’s first-floor gallery, within an area dedicated to Saxon history. The gallery is free of charge to visit, meaning the piece will be accessible to all.
By acquiring this piece, it will be preserved in a public collection, complementing and enriching our existing archaeology collection and will allow researchers access to continue its study to try and gain a better understanding of Anglo-Saxon Chichester.
We already offer workshops on the Saxon history of Sussex for Key Stage 2 (ages 7 – 11 years) in line with the current national curriculum. These workshops utilise our collections to piece together the story of life in Sussex during Saxon times. The addition of the Stopham mount will bring another dimension to these workshops, enabling our learning team to further explore concepts such as wealth, status, gender roles, warfare and other such topics with visiting students.
About The Novium Museum
Built over the remains of a Roman bath house, The Novium Museum is Chichester District's award-winning museum, located in the heart of the city centre. Our mission is to collect and preserve the heritage of Chichester District. We use our collections and external loans to maximise educational benefit and social impact for our community, helping people feel part of their society and shaping the local distinctiveness of the district. We provide enriching, participatory and inspiring experiences for learning and enjoyment for our local community and visitors, contributing to a thriving economy.
Our first floor, where the Stopham mount will be displayed, takes you on a journey through the timeline of Chichester District. The mount would be added to the Anglo-Saxon section of this gallery.