In 2009, a metal detectorist found the largest ever hoard of Anglo-Saxon gold and silver in a field in England. More than 3,000 pieces were recovered. Many appeared to be decorations taken from swords, as well as Christian artefacts. The hoard is believed to date back to the 7th Century when Anglo-Saxon kingdoms battled each other for supremacy in England. Alex Last has been speaking to Terry Herbert who found the treasure and archaeologist Dr Kevin Leahy who examined the hoard.

Photo: Just some of the treasures from The Staffordshire Hoard (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)