Harris Museum and Art Gallery

Buried Treasure

 

You might read stories about buried treasure – but does it ever happen for real? In 1840 a group of workmen were digging near the River Ribble at Cuerdale near Preston when they found a buried chest. When they opened it they found over 8500 pieces of Viking silver – real treasure!

The chest was buried over 1000 years ago when Vikings travelled through Preston on their way between York and Ireland. The chest might have been buried to keep it safe – but why did they leave it behind? It’s a mystery!

The treasure is called ‘The Cuerdale Hoard’ and it’s very precious. You can see some of it in the Harris Museum.