Preparations are underway in Taunton to create a permanent display of the largest ever hoard of coins unearthed in the country.

A planning application has been submitted to create the Chew Valley Hoard Gallery in the Round Tower of the Museum of Somerset.

The application outlines proposals for added security measures and internal and external alterations to the museum in Castle Green.

It comes ahead of the arrival of the 2,584 silver pennies, which were discovered in Chew Valley, Somerset, by a group of detectorists in January 2019.

The coins were produced during the reigns of Henry II and William I and date to the period of circa 1066-68.

It is believed they were probably buried for safekeeping during the upheaval surrounding the Norman Conquest almost 1,000 years ago.

From the British Museum to Somerset

The coins were on display at the British Museum from last November until May and are being shown in a number of other museums across the country before coming to Taunton next summer.

READ MORE: Somerset Museum set to house hoard of coins discovered | Somerset County Gazette

A spokesperson for South West Heritage Trust, which manages the Museum of Somerset, said: “In October last year, the South West Heritage Trust acquired the Chew Valley Hoard of 2,584 silver coins from the time of the Norman Conquest.

“As a nationally significant acquisition, coins from the hoard went on display at the British Museum in London.

“Preparations are now underway for the coins to go on display at the Museum of Somerset.

“A new permanent gallery space will be modelled which requires security and services upgrades, conservation and repair work before the exhibits and interpretation are installed.

“The proposed project is subject to funding from a range of partner organisations.”

The Chew Valley Hoard is one of the most remarkable finds reported under the Treasure Act 1996.

It was acquired through a National Lottery Heritage Fund development grant of £4,420,527, along with £150,000 from Art Fund and smaller grants from the Friends of The Museum of Somerset, and the Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society, as well as from the South West Heritage Trust.

The coins have undergone meticulous conservation at the British Museum.

A South West Heritage Trust source said: “The Chew Valley Hoard Project is now being developed to return the coins to Somerset and display and share the hoard with the public as an accessible and educational resource, shedding light on a pivotal moment in British history.”