Thomson Reuters preserving history
Staff from Thomson Reuters are helping Exeter’s Royal Albert Memorial Museum save a hoard of 22,888 Roman coins for Devon; by volunteering their time, they have raised over £1,500.
The money was raised through the Thomson Reuters Community Champion Awards. Their Dollars for Doers program allows employees to show support for the causes they are most passionate about and turn their volunteer time into a grant.
About the hoard
The hoard comprises 22,888 4th-century Roman coins and is the third largest hoard ever found. It was unearthed by a local metal detectorist on Clinton Devon Estate land near Seaton in East Devon in November 2013.
Named the Seaton Down hoard, it was declared treasure in September 2014 when RAMM launched a fundraising campaign to secure the hoard for Devon.
Volunteering experience
Business Analyst, Dominic Swann, said “Coincidently I read about the hoard story just at the time I’d also learnt about the many volunteering and fund raising schemes supported by Thomson Reuters. I’ve always had a keen interest in history especially Roman and Ancient history and I wanted to do something to help the museum and provide an opportunity for some of my colleagues.”
Along with five colleagues, Dominic was introduced to the Curator of Antiquities Tom Cadbury by the Volunteer Coordinator Simon Tootell.
They were able to see the portion of the hoard that was at RAMM for the launch of the fundraising campaign and, having learnt about the importance of the hoard and its place in RAMM’s extensive local Romano-British collection, the team helped develop a fundraising strategy.
Dominic has since helped develop publicity and information materials for the campaign and publicised the hoard within Thomson Reuters.
Cllr Rosie Denham, Lead Councillor for Economy and Culture, said "It is great to see an international company like Thomson Reuters taking an interest in Exeter and getting involved in making it an even better place to be. We are grateful for their support in helping to secure the Seaton Down Hoard for Exeter and Devon."
The fundraising campaign aims to raise £50,000 to purchase the hoard and at least a further £50,000 for conservation, research and display. Donations and pledges currently amount to half the target.
Next steps
Dominic says he is proud of his contribution, adding: “Helping secure the Hoard for Devon has been a great experience. Being so close to the objects has fuelled my love of history and contributing to the campaign is very satisfying. I am keen to help ensure that the hoard will be purchased, well conserved, fully understood and displayed locally. I have helped prepare a presentation about the hoard for local community groups which we hope will encourage even wider participation in the campaign.”
Campaign leader Tom Cadbury added “It’s not enough to just bring the hoard back, we must ensure that the people of Exeter and Devon can see it. I aim to put the hoard on display in RAMM so that it can be seen in its historical context. It will also be possible to put on smaller displays at Bicton and in the Seaton area. With a concerted effort, I’m sure that we can raise the funds and make this possible.”
How to help
Groups wishing to get involved and learn about the 22,888-coin Seaton Down hoard and Roman Devon should mail ramm.extra@exeter.gov.uk or call 01392 265984. A presentation about Roman Devon and the Seaton Down hoard is available.
Online donations can be made at www.don8.to/RAM002, or £5 donated by texting RAM002 to 70970.
For further details see: https://www.rammuseum.org.uk/news/massive-roman-hoard-discovered-in-east-devon
