This loan provides an opportunity to promote Herefordshire’s collection, particularly while Hereford Museum and Art Gallery is closed for redevelopment, whilst increasing the public’s knowledge, understanding and appreciation of our archaeological history.

The Herefordshire Hoard is one of the most significant Viking hoards ever found in Western Britain and to date only a few of its contents have been recovered. The importance to the national heritage lies in the new historical narrative it has provided as well as the rarity, beauty and significance of the objects. However, it remains largely unknown beyond specialist interest audiences and pockets of local people.

The Hoard is a key asset in driving footfall to Herefordshire and interest in the redevelopment of Hereford Museum and Art Gallery. This loan will start to raise the profile of the Hoard in advance of re-opening and is fundamental to delivering the visitor numbers required to meet the ambitions of the redevelopment.

This is a high prestige loan for the Herefordshire Hoard and the Council. JORVIK Viking Centre is a world-famous museum and visitor centre in York exploring the history of the Vikings in the British Isles. Its interactive visitor experience and high quality temporary exhibition programme attracts around 400,000 visitors a year. It is a centre of excellence for the study and research of the Viking period in the British Isles.

The Hoard is to be centrepiece of their annual Viking Festival celebrations. The focus of the 2024 Festival the relationships between the Vikings and the kingdoms of Wessex and Mercia. It will explore the themes of Viking hoard deposition, raiding and long distance travel. This would be a

JORVIK have completed the necessary steps required for the loan process used for inter-museum lending. Their venue meets the standard required for the Government Indemnity Scheme, which means their standards of security, environmental control, packing, transport, and display are suitable for high value and culturally important objects. They have completed full security, facilities and display reports to ensure the appropriate standards are met for the Hoard’s specific needs. A legally binding loan agreement will be completed using the industry standard, SPECTRUM Primary Procedure Loans out (lending objects), if the loan is approved.