Object Name
Iron Age Sword.
Object Age
Early Iron Age (2,700 to 2,600 years old).
Description
In the 1970s this remarkable Early Iron Age sword was found in the River Severn at Jackfield near Telford. The sword is made from bronze and has a long narrow leaf shaped blade. Originally, the sword would have had a wooden or bone grip. This has since rotted away, although the rivet holes are still visible. The shape of the sword suggests that dates from around 700-600 B.C; a time when iron was starting to replace bronze for the production of tools and weapons in Britain.
During the Iron Age it was common for votive offerings to be made in lakes and rivers as gifts to the gods of the underworld. Only seven other swords of this type have been found in Britain, most of which were found in watery locations. These include one example from the River Trent and two discovered in the River Thames.