A groundbreaking archaeological find has emerged from near Chelmsford, UK — the Great Baddow Hoard, now recognized as the largest Iron Age gold coin hoard ever discovered in Britain.
This exceptional collection offers an unparalleled window into a transformative period in ancient British history, when local tribes began producing their own regional coinage, coinciding with the political upheaval surrounding Julius Caesar’s second invasion of Britain in 54 BC.
Experts suggest that the sheer scale of the hoard may indicate inter-tribal conflicts — particularly between the Trinovantes and the Catuvellauni — or possibly a tribute payment to Julius Caesar himself. The find provides the first archaeological evidence supporting Roman reports of unrest among these Iron Age tribes.
Claire Willetts, Curator at the Museum of Chelmsford, notes: “This find helps validate historical texts and gives us physical proof of the intense pressures and power shifts during Caesar’s campaigns.”
Thanks to a £250,000 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and support from local institutions, the Museum of Chelmsford has secured the hoard for public display, while also funding further research and community outreach.
However, the discovery came with legal complications. The metal detectorist responsible for uncovering the hoard failed to obtain landowner permission and did not report the find, violating the Treasure Act 1996. As a result, the individual was convicted of attempted theft and received no reward — which instead went solely to the landowner.
Despite its contentious recovery, the Great Baddow Hoard remains a monumental national treasure. Lori Rogerson, Essex Finds Liaison Officer, adds: “Visitors in 2026 and beyond will be amazed by its sheer scale and historical importance, asking questions like: Who buried it? And why was it never retrieved?”
The hoard is scheduled for temporary display in 2026 and permanent exhibition from 2027, opening an extraordinary chapter of Britain’s Iron Age for public exploration.
Cover Image Credit: The Great Baddow Hoard. Image credit: Fountains Media/Museum of Chelmsford
