Bamburgh Sword facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bamburgh Sword |
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| Type | Sword |
| Place of origin | Northumbria |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Unknown |
| Produced | 7th century |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 76 centimetres (30 in) |
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| Blade type | Pattern welded |
The Bamburgh Sword is a very old and special sword from the Anglo-Saxon times, about 1,300 years ago. It was found during an archaeological dig at Bamburgh Castle in 1960. A man named Brian Hope-Taylor discovered it. For many years, the sword was lost. But in 2001, after Hope-Taylor passed away, it was found again in a suitcase in his garage! This sword is unique because of how it was made. It has six strands of iron woven together, which was very unusual for swords back then. Many people believe it might have been the sword of a king.
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What Makes the Bamburgh Sword Special?
The Bamburgh Sword is similar in size to a Roman sword called a spatha. It was originally about 76 centimetres (30 in) long. This Anglo-Saxon weapon was made in the 600s. It was likely buried much later, sometime between the 900s and 1000s.
How the Blade Was Made
The sword has a special blade made using a technique called pattern welding. Scientists used X-rays to study the blade. They found it was made from six strands of iron woven together. This was truly unique for its time! Other swords from that period usually had no more than four strands.
Making this sword would have been very difficult. An expert blacksmith would have needed about two months to create just the blade. Archaeologist Paul Gething said that making such a weapon needed the "state-of-the-art technology of the time." He added that people who saw it being made might have thought it was "the equivalent of magic."
Who Owned This Amazing Sword?
Because the Bamburgh Sword was so expensive and difficult to make, archaeologists believe its first owner was very important. It might have belonged to a king or one of the king's most trusted warriors. Some even think it could have been the sword of King Oswald of Northumbria, a famous Anglo-Saxon king.
This valuable weapon would have been passed down through a family for hundreds of years. It was finally buried about 300 to 400 years after it was first made.
How the Sword Was Found Again
The sword was first dug up by Brian Hope-Taylor in 1960. This happened during an archaeological dig inside the walls of Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland, England. However, at the time, the sword's true importance wasn't fully understood. So, Hope-Taylor kept the sword.
The Amazing Rediscovery
After Hope-Taylor passed away in 2001, his former student was helping to clear out items from his house. Many things were going to be thrown away. Luckily, the student found the sword! It was stored inside a suitcase in the garage. Several students had only visited their old professor's house because they heard his books were being sold.
After being carefully studied by the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland, the sword was finally returned to Bamburgh Castle in 2005. Today, you can see this incredible piece of history on display there.
