The intricate details and beautiful motifs of a Viking treasure hoard will be revealed to the public this week when it goes back on display after conservation.

The Bedale Hoard was found by metal detectorists in 2012 and bought by the Yorkshire Museum in May this year after generous donations from the public and grants from funders.

It has spent the last few months being conserved by the York Archaeological Trust (YAT), with fascinating and intricate details of the metalwork being uncovered for the first time.

Tiny cuts have become visible which show the testing of the purity of the silver. Samples of wood and textile have also been found which give clues to how it was buried.

Natalie McCaul, curator of archaeology at York Museums Trust, said:

“It is only now that the hoard has been conserved that we can see its real beauty and the incredible craftsmanship involved in creating some of the artefacts.

“The Anglo Saxon sword pommel is probably the stand out piece. This is something that has been plundered by the Vikings and the conservation has meant we can now see the fantastic and delicate gold leaf patterns much more clearly and in some cases for the first time.”

Natalie added:

“The hoard is really making us think about this part of Yorkshire in the Viking Period in a different way. It contains objects from across the Viking world including rare and unique pieces such as the huge silver neckring; one of the largest examples of its type ever found.
The hoard will be on show in the Medieval Gallery of the museum from Saturday December 12.

The Bedale Hoard was found in May 2012. As well as the inlaid gold sword pommel, unique silver neck ring and neck collar and the silver armring, it also includes 29 silver ingots, two other silver neck rings and gold rivets. Archaeologists believe it is from the late ninth or early tenth century.

Following an appeal launched by the Yorkshire Museum £50,000 was raised to buy the hoard, including grants of £11,000 from The Art Fund and the Victoria & Albert Purchase Grant Fund.

The rest of the funds were raised from other funding bodies and from members of the public.