A 1,000-Year-Old Viking Sword Found in English River
A Thousand Years Under Water: Magnet Fisher Reels in Viking Relic
Imagine unearthing a piece of history with a magnet! That’s exactly what happened to Trevor Penny, a magnet fishing enthusiast, while exploring the River Cherwell in Oxfordshire, England. Back in November 2023, Trevor cast his magnet into the water, hoping for hidden treasures. While he initially pulled up usual finds like bits of metal, he persevered.
Little did he know, a truly remarkable discovery awaited. His magnet snagged on something substantial — a long, rusty sword with a clear handle and blade. Thrilled with his find, Trevor shared pictures on a magnet fishing Facebook group, declaring it his “best-ever find!”
From Riverbed to Viking Era:
Initially, Trevor thought the sword might be medieval. However, after contacting an expert from the Oxfordshire County Council, the news got even more exciting. Experts confirmed the sword belonged to the Viking era, dating back to a period between 850 and 975 AD!
This incredible find sheds light on a tumultuous time in history: Viking raids on Anglo-Saxon England. During the late 9th century, Vikings struck fear into coastal towns as they plundered and expanded their control. The famous raid on Lindisfarne Abbey is a chilling reminder of their ferocity.
