
In November 2023, an unexpected discovery was made in the River Cherwell, Oxfordshire, when magnet fisher Trevor Penny unearthed a historical relic. After a day of fishing mostly scaffolding poles, Penny's luck changed dramatically when he retrieved what appeared to be an ancient sword. Unsure of his find, Penny called over a friend, who excitedly identified it as a sword.
Penny, a member of the Thame Magnet Fishing Facebook group, initially turned to Google to ascertain the sword's origin. His searches consistently suggested it was a Viking sword. Seeking professional verification, he contacted the Oxfordshire county liaison officer in charge of public archaeological discoveries and presented the sword for expert analysis.
This remarkable find has now been officially recognised as a Viking sword, dating back as much as 1,200 years, to the period between AD 850 and 975. The discovery is a significant link to a time when Vikings, originating from Scandinavia, engaged in conquests, trade, and raids across the British Isles. These Norse invaders first landed in Britain in the eighth century and continued their incursions until the end of the Viking Age following the Battle of Stamford Bridge in 1066.
The sword, which is heavily corroded, hails from a tumultuous era marked by Viking raids and settlements in Britain. This period saw repeated clashes between the Viking invaders and the Saxon rulers, culminating in the eventual unification of England.
Currently in the custody of Oxford Museum Services, the sword may soon be displayed to the public. Penny recounted his interaction with the museum, highlighting the rarity of finding complete swords of significant historical value. He also mentioned resolving a minor dispute with the landowner and the river trust over magnet fishing rights. As part of the resolution, Penny agreed to donate the sword to a museum.
This discovery, alongside similar recent finds, continues to shed light on the Viking Age's impact on Britain's history and culture.