Metal detectorist finds giant brooch that could have royal origins

The high status Anglo-Saxon brooch found in a field near Cheddar, Somerset

(South West Heritage Trust)

Giant silver brooch found in the Somerset Levels is one of the largest such objects ever found

A mysterious piece of early medieval jewellery found by metal detectorists in Somerset could have royal origins, experts believe.

The huge nine-centimetre diameter silver and bronze brooch, one of the largest such objects ever found, was unearthed by a metal detectorist on the edge of former marshland between Cheddar and Wedmore - two locations associated with Anglo-Saxon royalty.

Experts believe the brooch may be linked to the household of Alfred the Great or one of the other Anglo-Saxon kings of England.

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