The Friends of Bassetlaw Museum have agreed to purchase an early Medieval silver ingot for the museum’s collection. Officially declared as ‘treasure’, the ingot was discovered on privately cultivated land in Nottinghamshire by a metal detectorist earlier this decade.
Dating from the 9th or 10th century, the ingot is believed to have been used for bullion transactions in Viking Dublin and other Norse-controlled areas. Weighing 8.79 grams, the small finger-shaped object equates to almost exactly two units of 4.43 grams. Similar ingots, which are geographically widespread, have been declared as treasure and acquired by museums.
The ingot is currently held at The British Museum and will be transferred to Bassetlaw Museum once the formalities are completed. It is expected to go on display shortly thereafter.
Plans are underway for an evening event on Thursday 17th July, when the Irontree Alpacas will return to the Museum Gardens. The gardens have recently undergone restoration, including the installation of a new patio, furniture and a children’s play area. A garden club has also been formed to support ongoing maintenance and development.
Visitors are invited to attend from 6.00pm, bringing their own picnic and enjoying cakes on sale from the Friends in support of the museum. Garden games, activities and a raffle will also feature.
Families are welcome, but children must be accompanied and supervised at all times. Admission is free for members of the Friends of Bassetlaw Museum, or £2.00 per adult and £5.00 per family. Non-members are welcome to join on the night.
The museum tours have marked a milestone with two specially arranged sessions for a local history group – an addition to the regular public tours held on the first Friday afternoon of each month. Booking is essential for these tours. Further details are available by emailing fobm.tours@gmail.com or by contacting the museum directly.
Please note: the museum has announced a temporary change to its opening hours. It will now be closed on Mondays and Thursdays for up to a year to allow off-site work on the stored collections.
Anyone wishing to learn more about the Friends of Bassetlaw Museum or interested in joining can email fobm.membership@gmail.com. Membership forms are also available via the Friends’ Facebook page or the Bassetlaw Museum website at www.bassetlawmuseum.org.uk.