Trevor Penny, a magnet fisherman, pulled a corroded Viking sword dating back to as early as CE 850 from the River Cherwell in Oxfordshire. The find, made in November 2023 near Enslow, has been confirmed by experts as a significant artifact from the Viking Age.

Trevor Penny, a magnet fisher, pulled a 1,100-year-old Viking sword out of an English river. Credit: Trevor Penny

Penny, a member of the Thame Magnet Fishing group, stumbled upon the sword while searching for lost objects in the river. Initially unsure of its significance, he sought confirmation from friends, who recognized the antiquity of the weapon. “I wasn’t entirely sure what it was at first. Others confirmed it was certainly very old,” Penny recounted.

The sword, authenticated as Viking and estimated to be over 1,200 years old, represents a period of conflict and cultural exchange between the Anglo-Saxons and the invading Danish Vikings. It hails from a time when England was divided, and skirmishes between the two factions were common. Historical records reveal that in 851, Danish Vikings landed near Plymouth and plundered Canterbury and London before being repelled by Anglo-Saxon forces led by King Ethelwulf of WesSєx.

Upon his discovery, Penny promptly contacted the Oxfordshire county liaison officer responsible for recording archaeological finds. The sword was provisionally dated and authenticated, marking a rare find of such historical importance. Penny said: “It really did feel quite amazing – it’s the oldest thing found in this county magnet fishing.”

Despite the excitement surrounding the find, Penny encountered some challenges regarding ownership and legalities. Magnet fishing, a hobby that involves searching for metal objects in bodies of water using powerful magnets, requires permission, and any discoveries belong to the landowner. In this case, there was a dispute between the landowner and the rivers trust. However, after receiving a legal document from the trust, which stipulated that the sword must be pᴀssed to a museum, Penny ensured its transfer to Oxford museum services.

The significance of the discovery resonated with archaeological experts, who underscored the rarity of finding intact swords and treasures from the Viking Age.

The sword will be preserved by Oxford museum services and may eventually be put on public display. Penny expressed pride in his contribution to uncovering and preserving a piece of history: “It was a proud moment to find it.”