'Like Christmas' for diver who found ancient sword
South West Maritime Archaeological GroupA rare Bronze Age sword believed to be about 3,000 years old has been discovered by divers investigating underwater archaeological sites.
The weapon was found at the Salcombe Cannon and Moor Sand protected wreck sites off south Devon by members of the South West Maritime Archaeological Group.
The sword was discovered by volunteer divers Becky Gill and Catherine Gill during work funded by Historic England. "A kid at Christmas does not come close to the excitement of finding this sword," said Becky.
Previous discoveries from the area include Bronze Age swords, axe heads, a gold bracelet, gold ingots and more than 400 gold coins, possibly from two Bronze Age shipwrecks.
"It is an amazing thrill to find and recover an object from under the sea, that turns out to be a Bronze Age sword," said Catherine.
"I wonder where and who made it, who was planning to use it, and who was the last person to touch it, before us, around 3,000 years ago."
Experts believe the sword dates from the Middle or Late Bronze Age, between about 1300 BC and 800 BC, although further study is needed because parts of it have been worn away by centuries underwater.
Neil Wilkin, of the British Museum, said the latest discovery was "a wonderful and important addition" to the story of the Salcombe site and could help researchers better understand maritime trade and travel around Britain's coast 3,000 years ago.
After conservation work is completed, the sword will be donated to the British Museum for further study and future research.
South West Maritime Archaeological Group