Mystery of the Ulverston Roman Coin Hoard

Mystery of the Ulverston Roman Coin Hoard

In the 16th century, a treasure trove of Roman gold and silver coins was unearthed near the town of Ulverston, in the Furness region of England. This fascinating find remains shrouded in mystery, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the Roman presence in this part of the country.

Discovery and Investigation

News of the discovery reached Sir Thomas Cromwell, a powerful figure in the court of King Henry VIII.  A letter written in 1534 by Sir James Leyburn details a commission launched to investigate the find, suggesting it was located on land belonging to Furness Abbey.  The King had a keen interest in treasure finds, so the witnesses were likely intimidated with travel to Westminster to further the investigation.

Details of the hoard include three gold 'aurei' coins, one bearing the inscription "Augustus Caesar Nero", dating them to Emperor Nero's reign. Additionally, approximately 40 ounces of silver coins, likely 'denarii', were found.

Lost to Time

Unfortunately, the ultimate fate of this coin hoard remains an enigma. Despite the royal interest, no further records are known to exist, and the coins may have been lost or dispersed over time.

The Significance of the Find

Mixed hoards of gold and silver coins are relatively rare for the region. The Ulverston hoard, along with similar finds across the North West of England, point to a richer and more complex Roman presence than previously understood. Perhaps this hoard suggests an undiscovered Roman settlement nearby or indicates the existence of wealthy individuals amongst the native population.

The Enduring Allure

The Ulverston hoard serves as a reminder of both the potential for future discoveries and the gaps in our knowledge of Roman Britain. It fuels the imagination of historians and treasure hunters alike, leaving us to wonder what other secrets the earth might hold.

The Discovery

Location: Furness, near Ulverston, England

Date: 1533-34

Composition: A mix of silver and gold coins, including at least 3 gold aurei (one identified as a coin of the Emperor Nero) and around 40 oz of silver (likely silver denarii).

Key Points and Questions

Royal Interest: The find immediately attracted the King's attention due to laws dictating treasure belonged to the crown. This resulted in a formal commission to investigate the find.

Mysterious Origins: The precise location of the hoard remains unknown, although it seems to have been on lands belonging to Furness Abbey and within the jurisdiction of the Duchy of Lancaster.

Fate of the Coins: Sadly, there are no known records of what ultimately happened to the coins, leaving their whereabouts a mystery.

Rarity: Mixed hoards containing both gold and silver coins are relatively uncommon in northwest England.

Historical Context: The Nero coin suggests the hoard was hidden sometime after AD 64.

Significance

Window into Roman Economics: The mix of denominations indicates the use of both gold and silver currency in Roman Britain and hints at the potential economic activity in the region.

Potential Undiscovered Sites: Such a find raises the tantalizing possibility of an unknown Roman settlement or significant Roman presence in the Furness area.

Further Research

There is potential for additional documents in the Duchy of Lancaster papers at The National Archives that could shed further light on this hoard and its fate.

Comparative analysis with other coin hoards in the region could illuminate patterns of trade, settlement, or conflict within Roman Britain.