Detail of Medieval sword, mid-15th century, IX.2226. Royal Armouries, CC BY 4.0

 

The sword is one of a larger group believed to have been found in a ford near the site of the battle of Castillon (1453), regarded as the last battle of the Hundred Years' War. If the sword was used at that battle, it could have been wielded by either an English or a French soldier. Although we don't know who owned the sword, the quality and decoration suggest it was someone of considerable wealth and status. Despite its excavated condition, traces of gold decoration on the blade still survive. Like many of the swords from the same find spot, this sword keeps its secrets, and research into its history is ongoing.

 

This image is part of our Up Close online exhibition, which was made possible with funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to use digital to enable our audiences to explore our collection in new and exciting ways.