Rare English Civil War coin hoard unearthed in Dorset farmhouse

A hidden collection of coins from the English Civil War has been uncovered during the renovation of a 17th-century farmhouse. The find, known as the Poorton Coin Hoard, offers a rare glimpse into the fears of families living through the conflict. The coins were buried for over 400 years before being unearthed in Dorset, a key area for troop movements at the time. The discovery happened when builders lowered the floor of a cottage in Poorton. Beneath the old stonework, they found around 100 coins dating back to the early 1640s. The collection included gold pieces from the reigns of James I and Charles I, along with silver coins from Elizabeth I, Phillip, and Mary.

Experts believe the hoard was hidden in haste between 1642 and 1644. Families during the war often stashed valuables to protect them from soldiers who raided homes for food or loot. The coins likely belonged to a household living in constant fear of troops arriving without warning. Dorset's position made it a hotspot for military activity during the conflict. The hoard adds to the scattered remains of a turbulent period, when ordinary people buried their wealth to keep it safe. The coins were later sold at auction for roughly $75,000.

The Poorton Coin Hoard now joins other artefacts that reveal the hardships of the English Civil War. Its discovery highlights how families tried to shield their savings from the chaos around them. The find also underscores Dorset's role as a contested region during the fighting.