Unique Anglo-Saxon sword with silver gilt decoration and runes

An Anglo-Saxon sword was discovered in a 6th century grave near Canterbury. It is well preserved, in top quality with gold and silver accessories. It bears runic markings. It must have belonged to a high-ranking warrior. Experts liken the weapon to the sword from the magnificent Sutton Hoo ship burial.

The sword was discovered in a grave in an early medieval cemetery near Canterbury, the exact location of which is still being kept secret as further excavations are planned. So far twelve burials have been uncovered there and all date from the 5th-6th centuries. All the men were buried with weapons, including spearheads, shields and the aforementioned sword. The women's graves contain knives, brooches, buckles and other precious objects. Experts say there are at least 200 other graves. So the excavations will continue for several more years.

The sword has a gilded silver hilt with a highly detailed design. The blade bears runic markings. Some elements of the wooden scabbard and the beaver fur that lined it have even been preserved. The ring attached to the pommel may symbolize a ring with an oath of allegiance that the deceased pledged, perhaps to a ruler or other leader. A gold pendant with an inscription and a depiction of a snake or dragon was also discovered in the grave. These are usually found in female burials. It was probably a gift from a beloved wife or an ancestral heirloom.

"We're keeping the name of the place a secret. It's a very rich cemetery. It would be a real tragedy if it became known before we dig it up," said Duncan Sayer, senior archaeologist and professor of archaeology at the University of Central Lancashire. "It's really incredible, in the highest rungs of sword making, an elite object in every way," he said of the sword, adding that it could boldly compete with swords from Dover and Sutton Hoo.

The excavation is part of a study of 300 early Anglo-Saxons from across the east coast of Britain. The study revealed that about 75% of the DNA came from continental northern Europe: "This was a major migration event after Roman rule in Britain ended," Sayer said.

"Before we published these results, there was still a lot of debate about whether there had actually been a significant migration. It is now absolutely certain that there must have been a very significant influx, particularly on the east coast, which has been going on for generations. They were not coming from one place, but from multiple locations. This cemetery is right on the cutting edge of that work," the research leader added.

The sword, along with other finds, will now undergo conservation and then be displayed at the Folkestone Museum. The story of the sword will be broadcast on BBC Two's 'Digging for Britain' programme on 7 January.

Roman Nemec

Sources: bbc.co.uk, thehistoryblog.com, theguardian.com

excavations in the cemetery

Unique sword with gilded decoration and preserved organic scabbard elements

Sutton Hoo sword