The discovery was made in April 2023 by a team from Oxford Cotswold Archaeology. The coins, dating from between 1036 and 1044, were found wrapped in material shaped like a pasty. Archaeologists speculate they may have been the savings of a local individual, buried for protection during a time of political and social upheaval, BBC reports.

While many of the coins were struck in London, a significant number originated from regional mints, including Ipswich, Norwich, Thetford, Lincoln, and Stamford.

Damian Leydon, site delivery director at Sizewell C, stated it was important to “keep the treasures and discoveries in their Suffolk home for people to see”. The hoard will now be conserved, made available to researchers, and offered to museums on short-term loan.