The Mystery of the Sword of Kent: Discovery of a 1,400-Year-Old Weapon in England

Sword from the Sutton Hoo burial, early 7th century, British Museum, London. Credit: Völkerwanderer / CC0 1.0

Archaeologists have unearthed a rare 6th century sword in an ancient cemetery in Kent, England, sparking enthusiasm among experts. The elaborately made weapon, described as one of the most notable of its kind, rivals the famous sword discovered at Sutton Hoo, Suffolk.

The sword is in extraordinary condition, with a silver and gold adorned hilt exemplifying exquisite craftsmanship. The blade is inscribed with ancient symbols.
Remarkably, elements of its leather and wood sheath have also survived, along with a beaver fur lining.

A ring attached to the handle is believed to represent a pledge of loyalty, possibly to a ruler or other high-status figure.

The medieval cemetery holds more treasures

One of many treasures unearthed in a medieval cemetery near Canterbury, the precise location of this artifact remains confidential to protect the integrity of the ongoing excavations.

“We will keep the name of the place a secret. It is a very rich cemetery. It would be a real tragedy if it became known before we excavated it,” said Professor Duncan Sayer, senior archaeologist and lecturer at the University of Central Lancashire.

The cemetery, which dates back to the 5th and 6th centuries, houses approximately 200 tombs. Archaeologists have so far excavated 12. It could take years until the entire site is explored.

The sword described as an elite item

Sayer described the sword as an elite item. “It’s really incredible, it’s at the top of the swords, it’s an elite item in every way, which is wonderful. It rivals the swords of Dover and Sutton Hoo.”

Researchers also discovered a gold pendant with a snake or dragon motif in the same tomb as the sword. Experts suggest that high-ranking women often wore these types of objects, indicating that this pendant could have been a prized family heirloom.

The discovery also sheds light on the burial customs of this ancient Kentish community. Conservator Dana Goodburn-Brown has used a powerful microscope to study the sword and has uncovered hidden details about its condition and burial practices.

The discovery of fly pupae on the sword indicates that the body was exposed for some time before burial.

“We’re learning something about funeral practices,” Goodburn-Brown said. This probably allowed time for mourning rituals, giving us a glimpse into their funerary traditions.

Male and female burials reveal different roles

Weapons such as spears and shields were found in the men’s graves at the site, while knives, brooches, buckles and other personal items were found in the women’s graves. These findings allow for a better understanding of the roles and status of individuals within the community.

One significant burial was that of a woman buried in the late 5th century with objects associated with Scandinavia. Additionally, the 6th century tombs contain Frankish artifacts, indicating that the community engaged in extensive cultural exchanges.

As excavations continue, archaeologists hope the site will reveal more about life in early medieval England and its connections to the wider European world.