[MR] History Blog: Anglo-Saxon Brooch to go on Display

[Garth Groff and Sally Sanford]

Noble Friends,

Today the History Blog and the BBC feature a story on the striking Cheddar
Brooch, an important piece of 9-10th century bling. Although round, the
brooch has nothing to do with the famous cheeses. It takes its name from
the town of Cheddar in Somerset where it was found by a metal detectorist
in 2000.

At 91 mm (3.6"), the silver and copper alloy Cheddar Brooch is unusually
large. Most similar brooches are between 50-60 mm. It features delicate
intertwined plants and wyverns with black enamel enhancements against a
gilded back, a style named "Trewhiddle".

The brooch will be displayed at the Museum of Somerset in Taunton beginning
20 October.

The History Blog story is at https://www.thehistoryblog.com/archives/68435 .

BBC offers a story with slightly different details at
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-somerset-66962615 .

More about Trewhiddle work (and some really neat photos) is at
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trewhiddle_style .

Yours Aye,


Mungo Napier, Laird of Mallard Lodge  🦆
Continuing a crusade to keep Merry Rose relevant and in business.