‘Really incredible’ sixth-century sword found in Kent
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Exclusive: Sword is among striking objects unearthed from Anglo-Saxon cemetery near Canterbury. A spectacular sixth-century sword has been unearthed from an Anglo-Saxon cemetery in rural Kent, to the astonishment of archaeologists. The weapon is in an exceptional state of preservation and is being likened to the sword found at Sutton Hoo, the Anglo-Saxon burial in Suffolk.
![[Aerial view of people exavating the grave]](https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/e6426308e5b5250658bce1a36a8f626d63f6af9e/112_0_1800_1080/master/1800.jpg?width=445&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none)
It has a silver-and-gilt hilt, with a decorative pattern in fine craftsmanship, and a blade bearing a runic script. Even elements of its leather-and-wood scabbard and the beaver fur that lined it have also survived. Attached to its pommel is a ring, perhaps symbolising an oath to a king or another high-status individual.
The sword is among striking objects that have been unearthed from an early medieval cemetery near Canterbury, whose precise location is not being identified as further excavations are planned. Twelve burials have been excavated so far and there are thought to be 200 more, which will take years to explore. They date from the fifth and sixth centuries.
Duncan Sayer, the lead archaeologist and professor of archaeology at the University of Central Lancashire, told the Guardian: “We’re keeping the name of the site under wraps. It’s a very rich cemetery. It would be a real tragedy if it became well known before we’ve excavated it.”.
