The Watlington Viking Hoard

A rare Viking hoard of arm rings, coins and silver ingots was unearthed in Oxfordshire in late 2015. The hoard was buried near Watlington around the end of the 870s, in the time of the 'Last Kingdom'. The Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of Mercia and Wessex were fighting for survival from the threat of the Vikings, which was to lead to the unification of England. The hoard was likely buried when the Anglo-Saxons pushed the Vikings north of the Thames into East Anglia. Prior to 878, the Vikings had been increasing their raids from Denmark.

The hoard is a nationally significant find. The Anglo Saxons began to re-establish their rule over southern England and won the decisive battle at Edington in 878. Alfred the Great defeated the Great Heathen Army led by Guthrum.

Experts speculate that a Viking fleeing after the battle buried it on his way north, on the ancient road from East Anglia to Wiltshire.

The hoard of 186 coins includes rarities from the reign of King Alfred of Wessex, who ruled from 871 to 899, and King Ceolwulf II, who reigned in Mercia from 874 to 879.