Littlehampton Museum has been collecting items relating to the history of the town and surrounding villages since 1928. These collections cover a wide variety of categories and themes, from Archaeology to Art and from Social History to Photographs. With about 50,000 items it is not possible to display everything, and we also understand that not everyone is able to personally visit the Museum. On these pages we hope to share some of our collection highlights with you, which we will continue to add to as our digital content is developed. 

For the first time the Museum is slowly cataloguing and digitising each item in our collection onto a digital collections management system called Modes. It is a long term aim in the future to provide the public access to an online version of this database. Until then if you have a query about a collection item please do get in touch by emailing us museum@littlehampton-tc.gov.uk

A collection of butterflies arranged on a board

New Addition to Collection

gold item with filigree decoration

 

Littlehampton Museum is thrilled to announce the latest addition to their collection: a breathtaking early medieval (Anglo-Saxon) gold “plate”, dated to c. 570–630 AD.  Found near Climping, by a metal detectorist, this tiny masterpiece features an intricate twisted gold wire filigree design, similar to the remarkable pieces from the Staffordshire Hoard. It is possible that it was used to adorn a sword hilt, although it might have decorated other precious items too, this small but mighty artifact showcases the incredible skill of early craftspeople, working without modern lighting or magnification.

A heartfelt thanks to the finder and landowner for generously making this donation through the Portable Antiquities Scheme. 

The plate is now on display in the Museum’s “Treasures from the Ground” case in the Archaeology Gallery. Entry to the Museum is free.

“As custodians of our local heritage, we’re delighted to welcome this extraordinary artifact into the museum’s collection. This Anglo-Saxon gold plate is a striking reminder of the ingenuity and artistry that thrived in early medieval England,” said Councillor Freddie Tandy, Chair of Littlehampton Town Council’s Community Resources Committee. “The generosity of both the finder and the landowner in sharing this piece through the Portable Antiquities Scheme allows all of us to celebrate and learn from our shared past. Make sure you visit the museum to celebrate this exceptional piece and the remarkable history it represents.”

Our Collections