A TINY coin dating from the time of William the Conqueror and of ‘major historical importance’ has been found near Gloucester.

The silver penny was struck in Gloucester in 1080 and 900 years later, it was found in nearby Highnam by Maureen Jones, a member of Taynton Metal Detecting Club based in Taynton near Burford.

William had strong connections with Gloucester, holding his Christmas Court there every year.

The discovery plugs an historical gap and proves that the Gloucester Mint was kept operational throughout his reign.

The coin, which would have been quite valuable in its time, is the first of its kind to be found and provides proof of the operation of the Mint.

It has now been obtained by the Gloucester City Museum and will go on show there.

The museum is owned by the City council and leader Paul James said: "We are a City with 2,000 years of history. This is a significant find of major historical importance and plugs an historical gap in local knowledge.

"It shows that coins were being minted locally throughout William's reign, something that we haven’t been able to prove until now.

"I am delighted that this coin is joining our collection and will be on show for local people as well as our many visitors to see and enjoy."

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