kenb
Bronze Member
The sword was returned to the museum 13 years after being stolen
A unique prehistoric sword and its decorated scabbard, which were stolen from Peterborough Museum and disappeared without trace 13 years ago, have been put back on public display.
The sword and scabbard, which were originally found at Orton Longueville during gravel extraction in the 1980s, were recognised when they were offered for sale at an auction in Germany.
Following a year of international correspondence and negotiation, they were returned to Peterborough last month and are now once again one of the star attractions at the city\'s museum.
"I am really thrilled to finally see them back on display in their rightful place," said Gillian Barclay, heritage services manager for Peterborough City Council.
"Peterborough Museum has a fantastic array of artefacts, which chart the city\'s rich history and this was, and is once again, one of our most impressive finds."
The city council\'s archaeologist Ben Robinson said: "This sword along with two others and several other fascinating items were recovered from an old river bed. They had been placed in the river Nene as offerings during the Iron Age, more than 2,000 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 and 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 helped experts to confirm their identity and have them returned to Peterborough.
"There is a prominent stamp on the blade which looks a bit like a hand or a foot," said Ben. "The sword smith who made this blade more than 2,000 years ago would be pleased to know that his mark helped to bring the sword back home."
The sword and scabbard were stolen from Peterborough Museum in 1994. Extensive efforts to trace their whereabouts came to nothing and it was thought that they had gone for good.
Don\'t miss the 24dash.com audio bulletins for the latest news and information - http://www.24dash.com/podcasts
kenb
A unique prehistoric sword and its decorated scabbard, which were stolen from Peterborough Museum and disappeared without trace 13 years ago, have been put back on public display.
The sword and scabbard, which were originally found at Orton Longueville during gravel extraction in the 1980s, were recognised when they were offered for sale at an auction in Germany.
Following a year of international correspondence and negotiation, they were returned to Peterborough last month and are now once again one of the star attractions at the city\'s museum.
"I am really thrilled to finally see them back on display in their rightful place," said Gillian Barclay, heritage services manager for Peterborough City Council.
"Peterborough Museum has a fantastic array of artefacts, which chart the city\'s rich history and this was, and is once again, one of our most impressive finds."
The city council\'s archaeologist Ben Robinson said: "This sword along with two others and several other fascinating items were recovered from an old river bed. They had been placed in the river Nene as offerings during the Iron Age, more than 2,000 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 and 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 helped experts to confirm their identity and have them returned to Peterborough.
"There is a prominent stamp on the blade which looks a bit like a hand or a foot," said Ben. "The sword smith who made this blade more than 2,000 years ago would be pleased to know that his mark helped to bring the sword back home."
The sword and scabbard were stolen from Peterborough Museum in 1994. Extensive efforts to trace their whereabouts came to nothing and it was thought that they had gone for good.
Don\'t miss the 24dash.com audio bulletins for the latest news and information - http://www.24dash.com/podcasts
kenb
