A rare Anglo-Saxon artefact discovered in West Sussex will soon be on display in Chichester.
The Stopham Mount, dating back about 1,350 years, is due to go on show at The Novium Museum later this month after a successful crowdfunding campaign.
Comparable sword fittings have been uncovered in famous finds such as the Staffordshire Hoard and Sutton Hoo; however, this is only the 2nd example discovered in West Sussex.
The mount will go on display for the first time from Friday 20 March 2026 in The Novium Museum's first-floor gallery as part of its permanent displays on local history.
Measuring just over 16mm in height, it is believed it would have once adorned the scabbard of a sword of a high-status warrior. Decorated with intricate gold settings and garnets, it would have been a statement of power, wealth and status.
To celebrate its arrival, The Novium Museum is hosting a series of events inspired by the precious find. On Thursday 30 April 2026, Sussex's Finds Liaison Officer, Jane Clark, will give an evening talk on the mount and other archaeological finds from the local area. This will be followed by three art workshops with local artist Susan Webber on 2, 9 and 16 May 2026, where participants can take inspiration from Saxon jewellery, illuminated letters and the museum's Saxon collection.
The mount was acquired by the museum after a successful crowdfunding appeal in 2024. The appeal raised the final £9,000 needed to keep the object in a public collection in the district where it was discovered, ensuring it remains accessible to the community, visitors and researchers in the future.
Councillor John Cross, Cabinet Member for Culture, Place and Sport at Chichester District Council, says: Amanda Rogan, Manager of The Novium Museum and Tourist Information Centre, said: "Thanks to the generosity of donors, this remarkable Anglo-Saxon find can now be displayed in Chichester District, not far from where it was discovered. The Stopham Mount is an exquisite and significant find, and it is a privilege to care for it as part of the museum's collection.The museum team is looking forward to welcoming visitors to The Novium Museum to see it for themselves from 20 March."
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