On display in the museum is an archaeologically accurate replica of a sword in the Anglo Saxon tradition, such as would have been used by King Athelstan (924-939).
Our museum is named for this First King of all England and we also have on display a coin of his reign displaying his crowned head.
The sword blade was forged by renowned historical weapons blacksmith Hector Cole MBE, the hilt made and decorated by jeweller Tim Blades; both using authentic historical techniques. The design is based on a sword hilt in the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford. Hector specialises in the reconstruction of archaeological artefacts using the materials and techniques of ancient smiths, Tim in wax carving and casting.
Alongside the sword is a tablet showing a short film of the construction of the sword. This gives a good idea of the effort required to produce a sword ‘fit for a king’, with its beautiful patterning on the blade and detailed silver figuring on the hilt.
Swords were highly valued possessions not just as weapons but bearing symbolism around sovereignty, chivalry, nobility, status and have even been imbued with spiritual power in truth seeking, purity and cutting away ignorance.
The sword was commissioned by the King Athelstan First King of All England Trust on behalf of the Masonic Order of Athelstan, King Athelstan Memorial Trust and is on long term loan to the Museum from the Masonic Order.