Magnet Fisher Drags 1,200-Year-Old Viking Sword from English River

In a remarkable find, an artifact of significant historical importance has been recovered by an avid magnet fisherman. Trevor Penny was scouring the River Cherwell near Enslow in Oxfordshire, expecting to unearth nothing more than the usual assortment of metallic detritus. However, fate had something far more extraordinary in store for him. With a tug and a pull, his magnet clung not to the usual scrap metal but to a relic of the distant past—a Viking sword dating back 1,200 years! His magnet had attracted a substantial relic from the past—a sword that, to his astonishment, has been confirmed as a Viking weapon dating back around 1,200 years to around 850 AD.

Magnet fisher Trevor Penny presenting the impressive Viking sword he dragged from a river in Oxfordshire, England. (Trevor Penny)

Unearthing a Piece of Viking History

While exploring the river’s depths in November, Penny happened upon this remarkable piece of history. Initially obscured by years of corrosion and sediment, the sword’s true identity was revealed through the concerted efforts of Penny and local archaeological experts.

“It really did feel quite amazing – it’s the oldest thing found in this county magnet fishing”, Penny commented, reflecting on the journey from discovery to verification, recorded the Oxford Mail.

The confirmation of the sword’s origins catapults this find into the limelight, shedding new light on the tumultuous period when England was a battleground for control between the Anglo-Saxon occupiers and the invading Danish Vikings. This era was marked by significant unrest and pivotal battles, including the Viking raid near Plymouth and their subsequent defeat by Anglo-Saxon forces under King Aethelwulf of Wessex and his son Æthelstan of Kent.

The Viking sword shown here is complete and in a good state of preservation. (Trevor Penny)

Legal Challenges and Public Interest

The journey from discovery to museum was not without its hurdles. Penny faced challenges related to the legality of magnet fishing in the area and the rightful ownership of the find.

“There was a little dispute with the landowner and the rivers trust who don’t permit magnet fishing,” Penny explained in a Metro report. Nonetheless, the situation was amicably resolved when he agreed to pass the sword to a museum, ensuring its preservation and potential future display.

This incident highlights the intricate balance between hobbyist activities like magnet fishing and the preservation of historical artifacts. While magnet fishing can lead to significant discoveries, it is subject to legal restrictions and ethical considerations, particularly regarding the ownership of found objects.

Close up of the hilt of the Viking sword found in Oxfordshire. (Trevor Penny)

A Connection to a Past

The authentication of the Viking sword as a genuine artifact from the era adds a thrilling chapter to Oxfordshire’s historical narrative. It is another example of how searchers like Mr Penny are unsung historic heroes, bringing such treasures back from the past.

The sword’s discovery not only provides invaluable insights into the Viking age in England but also underscores the potential of modern-day explorations to unearth relics of our shared past. As the sword awaits further study and potentially a place in a museum exhibit, it serves as a poignant reminder of the riches of history lying beneath our feet and in the depths of our waterways.

The local finds liaison officer remarked on the rarity of uncovering whole swords and treasures of significant historical importance in such intact condition, highlighting the exceptional nature of Penny’s find. This discovery joins a growing list of remarkable items unearthed by magnet fishers, including weapons and artifacts that provide a tangible connection to historical events and daily life in ancient times.

Top image: Left, Trevor Penny and the Viking sword; Center, the sword; Right, close up of the hilt of the sword. Source: Trevor Penny

By Gary Manners