Subject: húskarl noble warrior
Culture: Viking
Setting: northern Europe late 10-13thc
Object: sword
* Hanwei
* Yorkshire Museum > Medieval York: Capital of the North
"THE CAWOOD SWORD AD 1080-1120 (Viking/Norman) The Cawood Sword (iron) River Ouse, Cawood, North Yorkshire ...
SIGNIFICANCE The Cawood Sword represents an important shift in medieval sword design. Its hilt and pommel are reminiscent of Viking weaponry but the length of the blade and the curved guard echo the style of later medieval swords. An inscription of unknown meaning is carved into the blades' [SIC] central recess on both sides, giving the sword an air of mystery that is yet to be solved.
DISCOVERY The sword was discovered in 1860 in the River Ouse adjacent to a site known as Cawood Castle. This building was the summer residence of Yorks archbishops in the medieval period. It remained in private hands until 2007 when it was acquired by the Yorkshire Museum through the government's Acceptance in Lieu of Tax Scheme." ...
"Churchmen as well as kings needed security. Members of their household were military men, sworn to protect and serve. This powerful sword combines Viking and medieval designs. It bears a mysterious inscription thought to be a religious phrase calling for strength and protection. The sword was discovered close to Cawood Castle, once the summer palace of the Archbishop of York. It may have belonged to an archbishop or one of his retinue.
"The Cawood Sword (iron) River Ouse, Cawood, North Yorkshire .... AD 1080-1120 (Viking/Norman)"
* Royal Ontario Museum > Samuel European Galleries > Arms and Armor
"950-1025 Lame en acier, cuivre et argent (motifs géométriques) sur la poignée. ...
Nouveau type de lame, introduit en Europe vers 900, qui servait à tailler et à transpercer.
On remarque sur la lame des traces de lettres incrustées.
Quelquefois, les grosses lettres sur une lame comme celle-ci indiquaient le nom de l'atelier où l'épée avait été fabriquée."
National Museum of Ireland -- Archaeology > Viking Dublin *
"Iron sword River Bann, Toome Bar, Co. Antrim" ...
* Royal Armouries Museum > War
"Swords These swords have the characteristic features of late Viking swords,
a broad, double-edged blade, short heavy quillons, and a pommel of 'tea-cosy' form.
The blade has traces of an inlaid inscription and scroll design.
Viking, about 900-1150." ....
