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The Mildenhall Treasure
The Mildenhall Treasure is a short story from Roald Dahl, often read published within
The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Six More (1977)
.
During World War II, a British plowman discovered a hoard of Roman silver while plowing a field in the Suffolk countryside. Unaware of the treasure's value, he was cheated out of the fortune that should have been his by the man who hired him. The 34 pieces of silver were discovered after the war by the authorities and taken to the British Museum, where they reside today. Master storyteller Roald Dahl relates the unforgettable and true tale of the greatest treasure ever found in the British Isles.
During World War II, a British plowman discovered a hoard of Roman silver while plowing a field in the Suffolk countryside. Unaware of the treasure's value, he was cheated out of the fortune that should have been his by the man who hired him. The 34 pieces of silver were discovered after the war by the authorities and taken to the British Museum, where they reside today. Master storyteller Roald Dahl relates the unforgettable and true tale of the greatest treasure ever found in the British Isles.
Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 1946
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About the author
Roald Dahl
1,472 books26.6k followersRoald Dahl was a beloved British author, poet, screenwriter, and wartime fighter pilot, best known for his enchanting and often darkly humorous children's books that have captivated generations of readers around the world. Born in Llandaff, Wales, to Norwegian parents, Dahl led a life marked by adventure, tragedy, creativity, and enduring literary success. His vivid imagination and distinctive storytelling style have made him one of the most celebrated children's authors in modern literature.
Before becoming a writer, Dahl lived a life filled with excitement and hardship. He served as a Royal Air Force pilot during World War II, surviving a near-fatal crash in the Libyan desert. His wartime experiences and travels deeply influenced his storytelling, often infusing his works with a sense of danger, resilience, and the triumph of the underdog. After the war, he began writing for both adults and children, showing a rare versatility that spanned genres and age groups.
Dahl's children's books are known for their playful use of language, unforgettable characters, and a deep sense of justice, often pitting clever children against cruel or foolish adults. Some of his most iconic titles include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The BFG, James and the Giant Peach, Fantastic Mr Fox, and The Witches. These works are filled with fantastical elements and moral undertones, empowering young readers to challenge authority, think independently, and believe in the impossible.
Equally acclaimed for his work for adults, Dahl wrote numerous short stories characterized by their macabre twists and dark humor. His stories were frequently published in magazines such as The New Yorker and later compiled into bestselling collections like Someone Like You and Kiss Kiss. He also wrote screenplays, including the James Bond film You Only Live Twice and the adaptation of Ian Fleming's Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Despite his literary success, Dahl was a complex and sometimes controversial figure, known for his strong opinions and difficult personality. Nonetheless, his books continue to be treasured for their wit, originality, and the sense of wonder they inspire. Many of his stories have been adapted into successful films, stage plays, and television specials, further cementing his legacy.
Dahl's impact on children's literature is immeasurable. His ability to connect with young readers through a mix of irreverence, heart, and imagination has made his stories timeless. Even after his death, his books remain in print and continue to be read by millions of children worldwide. His writing not only entertains but also encourages curiosity, courage, and compassion.
Roald Dahl's work lives on as a testament to the power of storytelling and the magic of a truly original voice. He remains a towering figure in literature whose creations continue to spark joy, mischief, and inspiration across generations.
Before becoming a writer, Dahl lived a life filled with excitement and hardship. He served as a Royal Air Force pilot during World War II, surviving a near-fatal crash in the Libyan desert. His wartime experiences and travels deeply influenced his storytelling, often infusing his works with a sense of danger, resilience, and the triumph of the underdog. After the war, he began writing for both adults and children, showing a rare versatility that spanned genres and age groups.
Dahl's children's books are known for their playful use of language, unforgettable characters, and a deep sense of justice, often pitting clever children against cruel or foolish adults. Some of his most iconic titles include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The BFG, James and the Giant Peach, Fantastic Mr Fox, and The Witches. These works are filled with fantastical elements and moral undertones, empowering young readers to challenge authority, think independently, and believe in the impossible.
Equally acclaimed for his work for adults, Dahl wrote numerous short stories characterized by their macabre twists and dark humor. His stories were frequently published in magazines such as The New Yorker and later compiled into bestselling collections like Someone Like You and Kiss Kiss. He also wrote screenplays, including the James Bond film You Only Live Twice and the adaptation of Ian Fleming's Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Despite his literary success, Dahl was a complex and sometimes controversial figure, known for his strong opinions and difficult personality. Nonetheless, his books continue to be treasured for their wit, originality, and the sense of wonder they inspire. Many of his stories have been adapted into successful films, stage plays, and television specials, further cementing his legacy.
Dahl's impact on children's literature is immeasurable. His ability to connect with young readers through a mix of irreverence, heart, and imagination has made his stories timeless. Even after his death, his books remain in print and continue to be read by millions of children worldwide. His writing not only entertains but also encourages curiosity, courage, and compassion.
Roald Dahl's work lives on as a testament to the power of storytelling and the magic of a truly original voice. He remains a towering figure in literature whose creations continue to spark joy, mischief, and inspiration across generations.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
June 27, 2017
The Midenhall Treasure was a true story about treasure that was found and Roald Dahl got the opportunity to write about it for a magazine. It was interesting to read about all the laws of finding treasure in that country.
September 23, 2016
I spent the entire short read wishing I had a photograph of the treasures. The artwork is very evocative, but I wanted to see the real thing.
So, for others like myself, here you go: https://britishmuseumblog.files.wordp...
So, for others like myself, here you go: https://britishmuseumblog.files.wordp...
January 14, 2020
Excerpt from Ch 1:
"In 1946. more than thirty years ago, I was still unmarried and living with my mother. I was making a fair income by writing two short stories a year. Each of them took four months to complete, and fortunately there were people both at home and abroad who were willing to buy them.
One morning in April of that year. I read in the newspaper about a remarkable find of Roman silver. It had been discovered four years before by a ploughman near Mildenhall, in the county of Suffolk, but the discovery had for some reason been kept secret until then. The newspaper article said it was the greatest treasure ever found in the British Isles, and it had now been acquired by the British Museum. The name of the ploughman was given as Gordon Butcher.
True stories about the finding of really big treasure send shivers of electricity all the way down my legs to the soles of my feet. The moment I read the story, I leapt up from my chair without finishing my breakfast and shouted good-bye to my mother and rushed out to my car. The car was a nine-year-old Wolseley, and I called it "The Hard Black Slinker". It went well but not very fast.
Mildenhall was about a hundred and twenty miles from my home, a tricky cross-country trip along twisty toads and country lanes. I got there at lunchtime, and by asking at the local police station, I found the small house where Gordon Butcher lived with his family. He was at home having his lunch when I knocked on his door.
I asked him if he would mind talking to me about how he found the treasure.
"No, thank you," he said. "I've had enough of reporters. I don't want to see another reporter for the rest of my life."
"I'm not a reporter," I told him. "I'm a short-story writer and I sell my work to magazines. They pay good money." I went on to say that if he would tell me exactly how he found the treasure then I would write a truthful story about it. And if I was lucky enough to sell it, I would split the money equally with him.
In the end, he agreed to talk to me. We sat for several hours in his kitchen, and he told me an enthralling story. When he had finished, I paid a visit to the other man in the affair, an older fellow called Ford. Ford wouldn't talk to me and closed the door in my face. But by then I had my story and I set out for home.
The next morning, I went up to the British Museum in London to see the treasure that Gordon Butcher had found. It was fabulous. I got the shivers all over again just from looking at it."
"In 1946. more than thirty years ago, I was still unmarried and living with my mother. I was making a fair income by writing two short stories a year. Each of them took four months to complete, and fortunately there were people both at home and abroad who were willing to buy them.
One morning in April of that year. I read in the newspaper about a remarkable find of Roman silver. It had been discovered four years before by a ploughman near Mildenhall, in the county of Suffolk, but the discovery had for some reason been kept secret until then. The newspaper article said it was the greatest treasure ever found in the British Isles, and it had now been acquired by the British Museum. The name of the ploughman was given as Gordon Butcher.
True stories about the finding of really big treasure send shivers of electricity all the way down my legs to the soles of my feet. The moment I read the story, I leapt up from my chair without finishing my breakfast and shouted good-bye to my mother and rushed out to my car. The car was a nine-year-old Wolseley, and I called it "The Hard Black Slinker". It went well but not very fast.
Mildenhall was about a hundred and twenty miles from my home, a tricky cross-country trip along twisty toads and country lanes. I got there at lunchtime, and by asking at the local police station, I found the small house where Gordon Butcher lived with his family. He was at home having his lunch when I knocked on his door.
I asked him if he would mind talking to me about how he found the treasure.
"No, thank you," he said. "I've had enough of reporters. I don't want to see another reporter for the rest of my life."
"I'm not a reporter," I told him. "I'm a short-story writer and I sell my work to magazines. They pay good money." I went on to say that if he would tell me exactly how he found the treasure then I would write a truthful story about it. And if I was lucky enough to sell it, I would split the money equally with him.
In the end, he agreed to talk to me. We sat for several hours in his kitchen, and he told me an enthralling story. When he had finished, I paid a visit to the other man in the affair, an older fellow called Ford. Ford wouldn't talk to me and closed the door in my face. But by then I had my story and I set out for home.
The next morning, I went up to the British Museum in London to see the treasure that Gordon Butcher had found. It was fabulous. I got the shivers all over again just from looking at it."
July 23, 2025
Written by Roald Dahl after reading the story in a newspaper. Based upon true events, regarding a local ploughman ‘just doing his job’ finding to date the largest hoard of Roman silver artefacts ever found in the British Isles.
Enjoyment:
Based on a true story and to Dahl’s own words, he has tried to keep it as close to the truth as possible. With two main characters, the story is easy to follow as well as understand.
The book has a good feeling nature to it (spoiler alert). Dahl, when going to research the story for himself, offers one of the ploughmen money in exchange for his story. Keeping to his word when the story gets published, Dahl gets the ploughman half of what he receives for the published story.
The story can incorporate History and Geography aspects without a child even knowing, which I feel is a nice element, as well as getting children to learn something in a fun way.
Objections:
Due to the nature of the story being based on non-fiction events, the books differ greatly from all of Dahl’s other literary accomplishments. Although it is an interesting read, I never once found myself thinking, ‘oh I wonder what is going to happen next’. The same can be said for the illustrations completed at a later date than the book was published by Ralph Steadman. The pictures look like they have been done in a watercolour format, and although they look nice, they do not add any benefit for the reader.
Finally, the book has been aimed at young children (8 upwards), although the book has more of an adult feel to it rather than a children’s reading book. This, I feel, would put many children off wanting to read the book in the first place, especially as the front cover is not really inspiring (to me at least) for a child to choose this book from their local library/school.
How it could be used in a classroom setting:
I feel the book could be used to help explore the idea of archaeology and the Roman period, both of which are heavily featured within the book. The book could also be used in a classroom setting, for pupils to identify with the character's behaviour. For example, one of the lead characters is dishonest and untruthful, with children exploring what the effects of the character's actions could lead to (also explored as part of the story in the book).
Enjoyment:
Based on a true story and to Dahl’s own words, he has tried to keep it as close to the truth as possible. With two main characters, the story is easy to follow as well as understand.
The book has a good feeling nature to it (spoiler alert). Dahl, when going to research the story for himself, offers one of the ploughmen money in exchange for his story. Keeping to his word when the story gets published, Dahl gets the ploughman half of what he receives for the published story.
The story can incorporate History and Geography aspects without a child even knowing, which I feel is a nice element, as well as getting children to learn something in a fun way.
Objections:
Due to the nature of the story being based on non-fiction events, the books differ greatly from all of Dahl’s other literary accomplishments. Although it is an interesting read, I never once found myself thinking, ‘oh I wonder what is going to happen next’. The same can be said for the illustrations completed at a later date than the book was published by Ralph Steadman. The pictures look like they have been done in a watercolour format, and although they look nice, they do not add any benefit for the reader.
Finally, the book has been aimed at young children (8 upwards), although the book has more of an adult feel to it rather than a children’s reading book. This, I feel, would put many children off wanting to read the book in the first place, especially as the front cover is not really inspiring (to me at least) for a child to choose this book from their local library/school.
How it could be used in a classroom setting:
I feel the book could be used to help explore the idea of archaeology and the Roman period, both of which are heavily featured within the book. The book could also be used in a classroom setting, for pupils to identify with the character's behaviour. For example, one of the lead characters is dishonest and untruthful, with children exploring what the effects of the character's actions could lead to (also explored as part of the story in the book).
November 11, 2011
This book is a bit of an odd duck. Written by Roald Dahl and packaged like a children's book, it would have NO interest to any child I've ever met.
A true story, it was written by Dahl in 1946, and sold to The Saturday Evening Post.
During WWII, a simple farmer, hired to plow another man's land, discovers the greatest treasure ever found in the British Isles - a horde of Roman silver. He ends up being cheated out of his rightful reward by the greedy landowner. That's basically the tale, told without Dahl's usual charm and wit.
Ralph Steadman's eerie and evocative illustrations add a much needed sense of adventure to a book where really, not much happens.
A true story, it was written by Dahl in 1946, and sold to The Saturday Evening Post.
During WWII, a simple farmer, hired to plow another man's land, discovers the greatest treasure ever found in the British Isles - a horde of Roman silver. He ends up being cheated out of his rightful reward by the greedy landowner. That's basically the tale, told without Dahl's usual charm and wit.
Ralph Steadman's eerie and evocative illustrations add a much needed sense of adventure to a book where really, not much happens.
August 14, 2012
dahl read about this story in the newspaper so wrote a short kids book for it. i think steadman do art much later (2000?) to help out the family of dahl, who were facing hard times at the end of the 20t century. steadman's art alone is worth finding this book.
you remember the story? honest person vs avaricious one, it seems like greed and avarice win, it all, and they do for a while, but then honesty is its own reward?
the plows and tractors, dirt, bicycles, clothes, houses, weather, and faces in the pictures are 5 + 5 stars.
you remember the story? honest person vs avaricious one, it seems like greed and avarice win, it all, and they do for a while, but then honesty is its own reward?
the plows and tractors, dirt, bicycles, clothes, houses, weather, and faces in the pictures are 5 + 5 stars.
November 4, 2018
A fun change of pace for this Dahl lover. 3.5 stars on this one. I have heard of the Mildenhall Treasure but did not realize the story behind it was so fascinating. I am glad that he read that newspaper article and went dashing off to Mildenhall to interview Gordon Butcher! The illustrations are really fantastic, if intense.
June 7, 2025
Roald Dahl going to interview a real person to write a short story on his discovery is just a really fun concept in of itself.
But I think this story is even more fascinating due to how we put ourselves in the character's shoes and wonder "what would it be like if I actually discovered long lost treasure?"
But I think this story is even more fascinating due to how we put ourselves in the character's shoes and wonder "what would it be like if I actually discovered long lost treasure?"
July 9, 2024
The illustrations are sort of dizzy, fever dream type things, that get a bit conceptual round the edges.
April 23, 2020
The art gives it an extra star.
November 5, 2023
The true story of a Suffolk ploughman, Gordon Butcher, who uncovered the greatest treasure ever found in the British Isles. It was Roman silver of unparalleled beauty and value and, not appreciating what he had discovered, Butcher was savagely cheated out of the fortune that should have been his.
July 7, 2025
a link to see the treasure : https://mildenhallmuseum.co.uk/collec...
April 23, 2012
Plot Summary:
Gordon Butcher was a simple farmer, working in the winter of 1942 in England. He was hired to do a job for a friend, who was hired by someone else to do that job. The job was to deep plow a portion of land, 12 inches deep. While Gordon was doing this job, he struck a hard metal in the ground. It turned out to be the largest find of Roman Silver in England's history at the time. But Gordon didn't know that, he just went and grabbed his friend Ford. Ford helped him dig it out, and ended up taking it home himself. British law had a rule that if you find anything silver or gold in the ground, it immediately became government property and if you reported it right away you would be entitled to a finder’s fee. But the person entitled to the reward is the person who DISCOVERS it! Ford wanted that reward for himself, and this is the story of how he tried to swindle Gordon Butcher.
Main Characters:
Gordon Butcher: A middle-aged farmer who was hard working but a little lacking intellectually. He valued small things in life, and owned a farm but no land. He farmed other peoples land. He was a very trusting person.
Mr. Ford: A "foxy" (meaning conniving) man who was out for only himself. He was sneaky, tricky, and greedy. He was a true villain.
Key Issues: Treasure, Farming, England, Greed
Other Interesting Information: This book is a bit of historical fiction, due to the fact that it is based off of a true story. Stylistically, Roald Dahl is just not my cup of tea. I can see how this book would work well as supplemental material for a unit, but not a main unit itself. This is why I gave the book three out of five stars.
Gordon Butcher was a simple farmer, working in the winter of 1942 in England. He was hired to do a job for a friend, who was hired by someone else to do that job. The job was to deep plow a portion of land, 12 inches deep. While Gordon was doing this job, he struck a hard metal in the ground. It turned out to be the largest find of Roman Silver in England's history at the time. But Gordon didn't know that, he just went and grabbed his friend Ford. Ford helped him dig it out, and ended up taking it home himself. British law had a rule that if you find anything silver or gold in the ground, it immediately became government property and if you reported it right away you would be entitled to a finder’s fee. But the person entitled to the reward is the person who DISCOVERS it! Ford wanted that reward for himself, and this is the story of how he tried to swindle Gordon Butcher.
Main Characters:
Gordon Butcher: A middle-aged farmer who was hard working but a little lacking intellectually. He valued small things in life, and owned a farm but no land. He farmed other peoples land. He was a very trusting person.
Mr. Ford: A "foxy" (meaning conniving) man who was out for only himself. He was sneaky, tricky, and greedy. He was a true villain.
Key Issues: Treasure, Farming, England, Greed
Other Interesting Information: This book is a bit of historical fiction, due to the fact that it is based off of a true story. Stylistically, Roald Dahl is just not my cup of tea. I can see how this book would work well as supplemental material for a unit, but not a main unit itself. This is why I gave the book three out of five stars.
March 23, 2020
An interesting narrative making even the most mundane tasks seem intriguing.
I’m on a Roald Dahl reading spree and quite enjoying it.
I’m on a Roald Dahl reading spree and quite enjoying it.
March 7, 2021
A depressing tale of how unfair real life is, but well told, as you'd expect from Dahl.
Having only read his children's stories so far, this was the first that is clearly intended for an older audience, and it makes me more interested to explore his more mature works. I'm not sure if many of his others are non-fiction as this is, but he I'd be interested to read other if they are. He uses his natural storytelling ability to really liven up the story, without making it unbelievable. I'm sure artistic licence was taken, but not so much that it takes away from the story feeling true to life.
I enjoyed the preface written by the author explaining his sort in the story - it helps you feel more connected to the story, and I always find it interesting to hear about why a story was written.
It's a great story anyway, but his writing does add another layer that makes it into something much greater. As I said at the start, it is slightly depressing, but I guess that is to be expected when you're expecting the government to do the right thing..
Having only read his children's stories so far, this was the first that is clearly intended for an older audience, and it makes me more interested to explore his more mature works. I'm not sure if many of his others are non-fiction as this is, but he I'd be interested to read other if they are. He uses his natural storytelling ability to really liven up the story, without making it unbelievable. I'm sure artistic licence was taken, but not so much that it takes away from the story feeling true to life.
I enjoyed the preface written by the author explaining his sort in the story - it helps you feel more connected to the story, and I always find it interesting to hear about why a story was written.
It's a great story anyway, but his writing does add another layer that makes it into something much greater. As I said at the start, it is slightly depressing, but I guess that is to be expected when you're expecting the government to do the right thing..
April 21, 2014
The Mildenhall Treasure is a story based on the true events of an archaeological find during the 1940’s. It tells the tale of Gordon Butcher who finds some Roman artefacts and unaware of the significance of the find, confides in his ‘friend’ Ford who assures him that he will look after the ‘rusty old stuff’. Aware of the laws pertaining to found treasure Ford endeavours to keep the artefacts for himself and eventually reap the financial rewards. However a visit by an old friend leaves Ford trying to explain the situation and defend his position in front of a court judge.
This is a story that raises issues of morality and integrity and could be used during P4C and PSHE lessons to evoke discussions on honesty and deception. It should be read to a class of children aged 8 and over to ensure understanding of the principle story objectives. By using this story cross curricular links could be made to historical topics such as the Romans and archaeology.
This is a story that raises issues of morality and integrity and could be used during P4C and PSHE lessons to evoke discussions on honesty and deception. It should be read to a class of children aged 8 and over to ensure understanding of the principle story objectives. By using this story cross curricular links could be made to historical topics such as the Romans and archaeology.
January 31, 2020
I am trying not to put too many spoilers so I'm being somewhat vague here. A short story originally published in The Saturday Evening Post. This is a true story of avarice winning out over nescience. Greed prevailing over ignorance in a way but not exactly. The farmer did not know he had been hoodwinked and ended up further ahead in the end so it was an unexpected windfall. The greedy man got a little something but was expecting at least 10 times what he got and so was in a way penalized by his own greed. So in a strange way greed lost and ignorance won even though it feels unfair that they both got the same amount of money when one should've gotten all and the other nothing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2012
This book, based on a true story, is well-told and beautifully illustrated. It tells the story of how and English plowman discovered a large cashe of Roman silver. Somewhere, in the back of my mind, I remember hearing this story before, but this book really brought it to light. More remarkable, in my opinion, than Dahl's prose are Ralph Stadman's illustrations.
February 21, 2017
Great short story! We lived in Mildenhall, England, and saw the Mildenhall Treasure in The British Museum. As a result of living there (and thanks to the storytelling talent of Roald Dahl), I found this a fascinating story of a farmer discovering the treasure while plowing a field in 1942 to the treasure finally ending up in the museum four years later .
February 3, 2017
A well written little story, but I found the illustrations distracting. The typeface isn't heavy enough for the text to be easily read in the places it is laid over the images. I'd like to see a new edition with another artist's take on it.
January 4, 2010
I was curious when I heard about this non-fiction by Roald Dahl. It's an interesting story...I'd like to know more than just this short story about it.
January 6, 2013
Excellent.
September 5, 2013
I have always loved Roald Dahl. This book was no exception to his greatness.
September 15, 2013
This was a very interesting story. I found this book while inventorying the non-fiction 900s. While I find Dahl irksome as a person, I do like to read his books.
June 3, 2014
Good story and the Ralph Steadman illustrations match it well.
December 16, 2016
An interesting piece of history. I didn't like the illustrations though.
November 3, 2018
Fascinating and sad story. I want to hear more!
December 29, 2018
I prefer Dahl's fiction to his non-fiction; this could just as well be a puff piece in a local paper as it is a short story
May 13, 2020
Vooral door de illustraties een mooi boek. Het verhaal is best interessant, maar vrij eenzijdig verteld. Dahls gebruikelijke stijlelementen, zoals het toekennen van een negatief uiterlijk aan slechte mensen, komen ook in dit waargebeurde verhaal terug. En het is ook geen journalistieke bijdrage, natuurlijk. Voor als je een half uurtje over hebt.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews