Bamburgh Sword, Medieval sword at Bamburgh Castle, England
The Bamburgh Sword is a 7th-century blade held at Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland, England. It was forged from six separate iron strands twisted and welded together, producing a blade of about 30 inches (76 cm) in length.
The sword was found in 1960 during excavations at Bamburgh Castle but then disappeared from public view. It was not seen again until 2001, when it was returned and put on display at the castle.
The sword represents the advanced metalworking techniques of Anglo-Saxon craftsmen, requiring a blacksmith approximately two months to create the blade.
The sword is on display inside Bamburgh Castle and can be seen as part of a regular visit to the castle. No special access is needed, and it sits alongside other objects from the same period.
X-ray examination revealed that the blade was made from six iron strands, while most comparable swords from the same period used no more than four. This level of construction is rarely seen in surviving Anglo-Saxon swords.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
