A HOARD of Herefordshire Viking treasure from over a thousand years ago has gone on display after it was saved from disappearing forever.

The Herefordshire Hoard is one of the most significant early medieval treasures ever discovered in Britain, Herefordshire Council said.

The hoard was found near Leominster in 2015 and is thought to be from around 1,100 years ago.

Its discovery was revealed through reports from the crown court in Worcester.

In November 2019, four men were found guilty of concealing, stealing, and selling the 'Viking' treasure they had recovered illicitly from a field in Eye, near Leominster in Herefordshire four years earlier.

Hereford Times: Volunteers with the Herefordshire Hoard at the the Hereford Museum Resource and Learning CentreVolunteers with the Herefordshire Hoard at the the Hereford Museum Resource and Learning Centre

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The men were sentenced to a combined jail term of more than 23 years, ranging from 12 months to 10 years.

Now, the rescued Viking treasure has been hauled up from the British Museum to be displayed at the Hereford Museum Resource and Learning Centre.

This will give the people of the county a chance to visit this significant find.

Hereford Times: Staff and volunteers of the Herefordshire Hoard exhibition at the Hereford Museum Resource and Learning Centre with Viking hands-on items. Pictured here from left, back row, Carolyn Olney, Julianne Jenkins, Hayley Edwards and Laura Sommerville. Front row, Hazel Maidman and Carolyn MaceStaff and volunteers of the Herefordshire Hoard exhibition at the Hereford Museum Resource and Learning Centre with Viking hands-on items. Pictured here from left, back row, Carolyn Olney, Julianne Jenkins, Hayley Edwards and Laura Sommerville. Front row, Hazel Maidman and Carolyn Mace

Judie Stevenson, museum team leader, said: "This is the most exciting thing ever.

"We're hoping to bring it back permanently to Herefordshire."

The team at the centre is busy fundraising and encouraging people to help bring it home.

"There is enormous interest for it," she said.

"It is so significant locally because it was found here, and its meanings are so important for the country.

"We are very lucky."

Hereford Times: Replicas can be found upstairs in the centreReplicas can be found upstairs in the centre

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The hoard has given historians a chance to understand what was going on in that period.

The museum is using its top room to allow visitors to handle the replicas of the original remains to see what they were like to touch, their weight, and look closer at the markings on each piece.

"It is fascinating, and people just really enjoy coming to see what they can," said Ms Stevenson.

"The whole story has got so many different elements to it that are of great interest."

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When and where to see the Herefordshire Hoard

People can visit the museum between 10.30am and 3.30pm on Wednesday, June 22, Saturday, June 25, Wednesday, July 6, and Saturday, July 9.

As well as the display of items from the hoard there are also hands-on activities and pop-up displays.

While the hoard remains at the museum the Herefordshire Hoard Roadshow is also going around county.

This series of events, held between 11am and 3pm, features Viking re-enactors and a trove of information on the precious treasure, and will be hosted at the following locations:

• Leintwardine Community Centre, Saturday, May 21

• Burgage Hall, Ledbury, Saturday, June 11

• Cawley Hall, Eye, Luston, Saturday, June 18

• Leominster Community Centre, Saturday, July 2

• Belmont Community Centre, Sunday, July 17

• The Hub, St Peter's, Peterchurch, Saturday, July 23

• Fownhope Memorial Hall, Saturday, July 30