Largest hoard of Anglo-Saxon metal ever found

On 5 July 2009, metal detectorist Terry Herbert was exploring a field near Hammerwick near Lichfield in Staffordshire, when he came across a stash of gold and silver metal work. Mr. Herbert reported the find to Staffordshire Portable Antiquities Scheme. Between the 24 July and 21 August, the field was excavated and archaeologists unearthed in total 4,000 pieces of exquisite Anglo Saxon metalwork dating to the 7th century AD. This made the Staffordshire Hoard as it became known, the largest hoard of Anglo Saxon metalwork in the world. The hoard is also the most exclusively warlike cache of metalwork ever found. It includes 97 sword pommel caps and 71 hilt plates, as well as swords and helmets. No one knows why the hoard was buried but the rough treatment of some of the objects suggests they may have been taken from defeated enemies in battle.