Rome wasn't gilt in a day (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Rome wasn't gilt in a day

THE Romans were guarding their treasure as they marched through the centre of Cirencester this week.

Rare examples of Anglo-Saxon jewellery were escorted from Lloyds TSB Bank to the new Corinium Museum in Park Street.

And, thanks to the close attention of the Ermine Street guard Roman re-enactment group, the ancient valuables arrived at the tourist attraction safe and sound.

The treasures, which were uncovered in Butler's Field in Lechlade, during the 1980s, include various pendants and a gold garnet set.

Head of the Cotswold District Council's museums service John Paddock said: "We believe the garnets came from the Black Sea or Afghanistan but the gold could even have come from Britain itself.

"The range of treasures buried with the bodies at Butler's Field reveal that the Anglo-Saxons were trading with many corners of the world, including the Rhineland and the Baltic, North Africa, India and the Red Sea."

The museum, which re-opens on September 15, has undergone a two-year £5 million transformation.

The refurbishment, which was funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and owners Cotswold District Council, has doubled the size of the museum, allowing many more internationally-important collections to go on show.

The Butler's Field pendants will be displayed is a secure case at the museum, where staff are currently putting the finishing touches to the new-look galleries.