Rare Saxon treasure to go on display at The Novium Museum thanks to public support

The Stopham Mount, an intricately decorated gold and garnet sword fitting dating back to AD 600-700, will be displayed in the museum's first-floor gallery early next year in a specially designed custom case as part of its permanent exhibition on local history.

The mount was acquired in 2024 following a successful fundraising campaign that received an incredible response from the local community.

Supported by the Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund, and with a generous donation from the owner of the land where the mount was discovered, the museum raised the final £9,000 needed to acquire the piece through its first-ever crowdfunding campaign. In total, 166 donations were received.

In addition, The Novium Museum was awarded a £4,942 'On Display' grant from Arts Council England, Art Fund and Museum Development South-East to purchase a new display case and plinth for the mount.

Discovered in 2022 near Stopham in the Chichester District, the pyramidal mount is only the second of its kind found in West Sussex. The first, acquired by The British Museum in 1981, was incomplete — making the Stopham mount an exceptionally rare and important discovery.

Since its acquisition, the museum has been preparing the mount for display, including careful cleaning by conservators to remove residual soil remaining from its discovery, and commissioning the production of a custom-made mount so that it can properly displayed.

Councillor John Cross, Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Place at Chichester District Council, said: "We were incredibly grateful for the public support for this campaign. It's thanks to the generosity of our community that this remarkable find can now be displayed in Chichester, close to where it was discovered.

"The mount will not only enrich the museum's collection, but also provide new opportunities for learning, research and engagement. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who donated or helped spread the word — this was a true community effort, and it's a joy to now be able to share it with our visitors."

Measuring just over 16mm in height, the mount was likely attached to a strap that helped secure a sword to its scabbard. Each side is exquisitely decorated with gold cells, plate and bar garnets, and waffle-stamped gold foil — creating a jewel-like effect that would have signified wealth, status, and power.

The rare piece of Saxon history will be displayed in the new year - for more information, visit The Novium Museum's Stopham Mount page (opens new window).

Anyone wishing to support The Novium Museum's ongoing work to preserve and share the district's rich heritage can donate through The Novium Museum's donations page (opens new window).

Date of release: 15 October 2025

Reference: 4529