Museum to display rare artefact thanks to fundraiser

A unique Anglo-Saxon gold and garnet sword mount is set to go on display in Chichester.

The Novium Museum has secured the remaining £9,000 needed to buy the rare gold artefact through donations and grants.

The mount, which was discovered in 2022 near Stopham, dates back to between AD600 and AD700 and is only the second of its kind to be found in West Sussex, according to Chichester District Council.

Councillor John Cross said: "This has been a true community effort, and we are immensely grateful to everyone who supported our campaign to keep this rare treasure in the Chichester district."

The museum received support through the Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund and a donation from the landowner.

It also received 166 contributions from the community, including a "generous offline donation exceeding the target".

At the donor's request, the extra money will go towards the conservation and display of the artefact.

If the museum had been unable to raise the funds, the mount would have been offered to the British Museum, and sold privately if declined.

Mr Cross, who is the council's cabinet member for culture, sport and place, said: "It is so exciting to be able to keep this local treasure within the Chichester District and display it for the local and wider community to enjoy."

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