Discovered in July last year under a farmer’s field, the Staffordshire Hoard is the largest hoard of Anglo Saxon gold ever found.

Today, a dozen priceless objects from the 1,500 which were unearthed last year came to Westminster, in a metal case, with padlocks.

The Art Fund is battling to raise the £3.3 million needed to keep this treasure in the West Midlands where it belongs. Otherwise it could be sold on the open market. I simply do not believe this. The State would have to step in.

I am photographed wearing white gloves carefully holding a gold fragment, inscribed in Latin, dating from around 650. What a privilege it is to be able to do this.

I talk to Kevin Leahy, one of Britain's foremost scholars of the Anglo Saxon world, who tells me in the animated way of a true enthusiast that the hoard of war trophies will unlock many of the secrets of the period.

What a delight to see and handle such a treasure and to talk with those who can interpret its meaning.