17th-Century Treasure Unearthed in Dorset Cottage: A Historic Discovery

In 2019, the tranquil village of Poorton, nestled in the heart of Dorset, England, became the setting for an extraordinary discovery. As Betty and Robert Fooks embarked on a home renovation project in their quaint cottage, they stumbled upon a treasure that would forever etch their names in the annals of history.

Unveiling the Hoard

While removing the flooring in their kitchen, Robert’s trowel struck something solid beneath the soil. Curiosity piqued, he carefully excavated the area, revealing a broken glazed-ceramic vessel. Within it lay a glittering hoard of over 1,000 gold and silver coins, dating back to the tumultuous era of the first English Civil War.

Historical Significance

The coins, ranging from humble sixpences to a magnificent gold “unite” coin, bore the faces of English monarchs from Edward VI to Charles I. They were a testament to the turbulent times in which they were minted, a period marked by bitter conflict between the supporters of King Charles I and Parliament.

Dorset, the county where the hoard was found, played a pivotal role in the war. It witnessed fierce battles and troop movements, making it a likely hiding place for valuables during this chaotic time.

Discovery of 17th-Century Treasure

Betty and Robert Fooks’ Extraordinary Find

In 2019, Betty and Robert Fooks stumbled upon a hidden treasure while renovating their cottage in Dorset, England. What began as a simple home improvement project transformed into an extraordinary discovery that shed light on a turbulent chapter in English history.

Uncovering a Hoard from the Past

As Robert removed old flooring, he noticed something unusual beneath. Carefully lifting it, he revealed a broken glazed-ceramic vessel filled with a glimmering collection of gold and silver coins. The couple had stumbled upon a treasure trove from the 17th century.

Coins with a Rich History

The coins, known as the Poorton Coin Hoard, date back to 1642-1644, coinciding with the first English Civil War. The conflict pitted supporters of Charles I against Parliament, ultimately leading to the king’s execution and the establishment of a republic. Dorset, where the coins were found, was a region of intense fighting during the war.

A Valuable Collection

The hoard comprised over 1,000 coins, ranging from sixpences to a rare gold “unite” coin worth 20 shillings. Each coin bore the effigies of English monarchs, including Edward VI, Elizabeth I, and Charles I. The coins were meticulously preserved and sold at auction for a total of over $75,900, with the gold coin of Charles I fetching the highest price.

Preservation and Examination

The coins were entrusted to the British Museum for cleaning and examination. Experts determined that they were likely deposited on a single occasion between 1642 and 1644, based on their mint dates. The damaged ceramic vessel may have been broken during the discovery or at an earlier time.

A Tale of Conflict and Hidden Wealth

The discovery of the Poorton Coin Hoard provides a glimpse into the turbulent period of the English Civil War. It is believed that the coins were buried by someone seeking to safeguard their wealth during the conflict. The owner may have intended to retrieve them later but never had the opportunity. This discovery highlights the common practice of hiding valuables during times of unrest.

Conclusion

The discovery of the 17th-century treasure by Betty and Robert Fooks is a captivating reminder of the hidden stories that lie beneath our feet. The coins offer a tangible connection to a pivotal moment in English history, revealing the sacrifices and hardships endured by those who lived through it. The Poorton Coin Hoard serves as a timeless reminder of the enduring value of preserving our cultural heritage.