Following a year
of international correspondence and negotiation, this unique sword
finally returned to Peterborough in August 2007.
The sword and scabbard were found at Orton
Longueville during gravel extraction in the 1980s. They had been
placed in the river Nene as offerings during the Iron Age, over
2000 years ago. Some watery places were especially sacred to
prehistoric people, and valuable items were given to the Gods at
special locations. This is the origin of our custom of throwing
coins into wells, and the medieval legends of swords in lakes.
Swords are symbols of kingship and power. This sword is like a
prehistoric version of King Arthur's Excalibur.
The iron sword and its bronze scabbard are
especially important. They are among the finest examples known in
Britain, and have several unique features that have helped experts
to confirm their identity. There is a prominent stamp on the blade
which looks a bit like a hand or a foot. The sword smith who made
this blade over 2000 years ago would be pleased to know that their
mark helped to bring the sword back home.
Experts from the British Museum and
Cambridgeshire police have helped in the recovery, but the sword
would not have been recovered without the help of the Deutsches
Klingenmuseum (German Blade Museum), and Lutz Hoffmeister in
particular.
The sword is now prominently displayed and can
be seen by visitors on the first floor of the museum.
