Rare Anglo-Saxon treasure set to go on display at The Novium Museum in Chichester

A rare Anglo-Saxon sword fitting known as the Stopham Mount, thought to be between 1,300 and 1,400 years old, is set to go on display at The Novium Museum in Chichester this month following a successful crowdfunding appeal.

 Discovered in 2022 near Stopham in Chichester District, the mount dates to around AD 600-700. While similar mounts have been found in other archaeological excavations including the Staffordshire Hoard and the Sutton Hoo burial it is only the second object of its kind found in West Sussex.

 The mount will go on display for the first time from Friday 20 March 2026 in The Novium Museum's first-floor gallery as part of its permanent displays on local history. 

 Measuring just over 16mm in height, it is believed it would have once adorned the scabbard of a sword of a high-status warrior. Decorated with intricate gold settings and garnets, it would have been a statement of power, wealth and status. 

 To celebrate its arrival, The Novium Museum is hosting a series of events inspired by the precious find. On Friday 20 March 2026, Sussexs Finds Liaison Officer, Jane Clark, will give an evening talk on the mount and other archaeological finds from the local area.

 This will be followed by three art workshops with local artist Susan Webber on 2, 9 and 16 May 2026, where participants can take inspiration from Saxon jewellery, illuminated letters and the museums Saxon collection. To find out more about the events and book tickets, people can visit:www.thenovium.org.uk/whatson

 The mount was acquired by the museum after a successful crowdfunding appeal in 2024. The appeal raised the final £9,000 needed to keep the object in a public collection in the district where it was discovered, ensuring it remains accessible to the community, visitors and researchers in the future.

 Acquisition of the mount was also supported by the Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund and a generous donation from the owner of the land where it was found.

 Since its acquisition, The Novium Museum has been preparing the mount for display, including undertaking essential conservation work and purchasing a new display case supported by a £4,942 On Display grant from Arts Council England, Art Fund and Museum Development South East.

 The conservation process which helped clean and stabilise the mount to support its long-term preservation also revealed fascinating detail about how it was made, including the use of textured gold foil behind the garnets to catch and reflect light.

 Councillor John Cross, Cabinet Member for Culture, Place and Sport at Chichester District Council, says: Thanks to the generosity of donors, this remarkable Anglo-Saxon find can now be displayed in Chichester District, not far from where it was discovered. The Stopham Mount is an exquisite and significant find, and it is a privilege to care for it as part of the museums collection. The museum team is looking forward to welcoming visitors to The Novium Museum to see it for themselves from 20 March.