The Galloway Hoard: Viking-Age Treasure

by Martin Goldberg, Mary Davis

A cache of over 100 gold, silver and other items, the richest collection of rare and unique Viking-age objects ever found in Britain or Ireland, was unearthed by a metal detectorist in 2014. A large fundraising campaign ensured that what has come to be known as 'the Galloway Hoard' was saved for the nation. Having lain undiscovered since the beginning of the 10th century, it now provides an extremely rare opportunity to research and reveal many lost aspects of the Viking Age. There is a chance to see the treasure at the National Museum of Scotland 18 February - 18 October 21. The exhibition will subsequently go on tour to Kirkcudbright, Aberdeen and Dundee. The accompanying book places the hoard in a wider historical context and showcases the conservation and research work currently being undertaken to understand the hoard and its secrets.

Genres: History

130 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2021

About the author

Dr. Martin Goldberg is Senior Curator, Early Medieval and Viking Collections, at National Musems Scotland.

Reviews

[Blake Smart · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this counts because I spent 2 hours in the exhibit, read every plaque, saw most of the videos, flipped through the book (which is most pictures btw)... and the exhibit cost nearly 30 bucks godamn it, if that doesn't count as a book on goodreads then eat lemons, I'm counting it as number 6 for this month and you can't stop me

[Stewart Monckton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting account of a metal detectors dream find. Although it really is just a 'piece by piece' account of the finds in this hoard, it clearly shows that there was far more going on in the Viking Age than just rape and pillage.

Probably only worth reading if you have seen the objects - which I would recommend you do.

SM

[Valerie Chamberlain · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant complement to the exhibition. So often guide books are just a repetition of the captions in the exhibition but this one enriches the whole experience. If read beforehand it will set the scene and if read afterwards it provides an opportunity to delve deeper into each of the artefacts. It is also worth reading in its own right as an insight into the incredible process of archeological research from the first discovery, through to sharing the results with the public. No specialist knowledge required but you will certainly acquire knowledge and understanding if you read this excellent book. The book is excellent but the actual exhibition is outstanding. (Kircudbright Galleries until summer 2022 and then Aberdeen. )

[Jillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the paperback version, published by the South Australian Museum as Treasures of the Viking Age: The Galloway Hoard, which appears to be a complete reprint, accompanying the exhibition of the hoard in Adelaide, South Australia.

I found this a remarkably interesting and useful volume. Not only does it provide commentary on the individual items in the hoard, but explains the reasoning behind conclusions, details of how both recovery and preservation was achieved, and places the find in a much broader historical context. It is one of the most useful accompaniments to an exhibition I have encountered but also stands alone as a resource for those interested in the Viking period.

[KAdelaide · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Easy to read, lots of descriptive up close photos which I appreciated seeing the detail. The book tells the story about the hoard- but also brings up further questions to ponder.

I'm about to see this exhibition in Adelaide, Australia, and I will be going in fully understanding what the Hoard was about. Probably more so, an appreciation of the wonder and mystery on whom buried it and why- and what happened to them.

*I read the South Australian version of the book

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picked this up after visiting the Galloway Hoard exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland today. Fascinating and exciting find - the book has provided welcome additional detail to support the information in the exhibition itself.

[Francoise Boyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating and greatly complements the wonderful exhibition

[John Boyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulously interesting glimpse into the past. Well written, well researched, intriguing possibilities and may future questions. A great read.

[Sarah Meehan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this after seeing the exhibition in South Australia. It has great photos, is well laid out and very informative on all aspects of the exhibition and ongoing research. I loved it.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Galloway Hoard is being exhibited at my nearest museum, and this gives me a MUCH better look at some of the detail on the silver than any of the photos I took!