The largest and highest-quality Viking hoard ever discovered on the Isle of Man was found by a diligent metal detector enthusiast who promptly reported the find, allowing for a proper excavation to take place. This remarkable discovery, known as the Glenfaba hoard, stands out as the most diverse hoard to date on the island and comprises a wealth of treasures.
The Glenfaba hoard includes an impressive total of 464 Hiberno-Norse and Anglo-Saxon coins, along with 25 ingots. Notably, a large silver armband was also found, accompanied by fragments of its original container. Following careful preservation efforts, this extraordinary treasure was put on display at the Manks Museum on the island, providing a unique opportunity for the public to appreciate this remarkable piece of history.
The period following the Viking era witnessed the Isle of Man switching between Scottish and English rule for approximately 100 years. This period of instability and insecurity appears to have prompted the burial of several coin hoards throughout the island. These hoards vary in size and content, ranging from those containing as few as 30 coins from the early 1300s to hoards with over 600 coins from the same period. The coins found in these hoards predominantly originated from Ireland, Scotland, and England, reflecting the influence of and trade ties with neighboring regions during that era. These hoards serve as historical artifacts that illuminate the island's complex history and the socio-economic dynamics of the time.