What was it like?
 
 
  • In the ship burial at Sutton Hoo, the dead person's sword lay on top of his sarcophagus (big coffin) too.
    • It was made of iron in a very complicated way. This made it very strong.
    • Its pommel (the end of the handle) was made of gold. It was inlaid with garnets (red jewels). This is called 'cloisonné work'.
    • The handle was of wood around the iron core.
  • The sword was originally kept inside a wooden scabbard (slip-case)
    • This was lined with wool.
    • It was decorated with two cloisonné work bosses (knobs).
    • There was a beautiful cloisonné work 'slider' which fixed the scabbard to a sword-belt.
    • There were also two tiny cloisonné work pyramids. These are thought to have been toggles (like on a duffle coat) on leather straps. These were for tying the sword into the scabbard.

 

    © Nash Ford Publishing 2003. All Rights Reserved. Suitable for National Curriculum History Key Stage 2.