Peterborough's Iron Age Sword on display at the museum
The two thousand year old
sword and scabbard stolen over a decade ago have finally returned to Peterborough Museum. They were recovered after they were offered for sale at an auction in Germany, where they were recognised by concerned collectors. 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.
Gillian Barclay, our learning and heritage services manager, said "We are really excited to have the sword and scabbard back where it belongs. It is an important part of the heritage of our city, and we look forward to displaying it again at Peterborough Museum."
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