The 11th century silver coins discovered at the site of at Sizewell C in Suffolk. (Image: Sizewell C/OCA / SWNS)
A staggering discovery was unearthed at the future site of Sizewell C nuclear power station in Suffolk – a bundle containing 321 mint-condition silver coins from the 11th century.
The astounded team from Oxford Cotswold Archaeology found the treasure, now lovingly nicknamed ‘the pasty’ due to its size and shape reminiscent of a Cornish pasty.
This significant find came to light during excavations for EDF’s planned two-reactor nuclear power station which promises to deliver 3.2 gigawatts of energy, enough to power around six million homes.
Archaeologist Andrew Pegg, who stumbled upon the ‘pasty’, expressed his excitement: “The Pasty, as it was immediately and affectionately named for obvious reasons, was a true privilege to find. “
“I was shaking when I first unearthed it, seeing a single coin edge peeking at me. A perfect archaeological time capsule.”
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The cloth package containing 321 mint condition coins were discovered while Oxford Cotswold Archaeol (Image: Sizewell C/OCA / SWNS)
The team believe the owner may have buried his money after the coronation of Edward the Confessor in (Image: Sizewell C/OCA / SWNS)
Coin specialist Alexander Bliss from OCA added his reflections on the importance of the hoard: “This new coin hoard provides us with valuable insight into the rich historical backdrop of this period.”
“To play a small part in bringing its story to life has been an honour and a privilege.”
The revelation comes amid ongoing development by French energy giant EDF, coupled with an investment focus highlighted last August when Labour introduced a £5.5bn subsidy scheme for the project, with a definitive financial decision expected this year.