A remarkable discovery by a Northamptonshire electrician, Andy Green, has brought to light a stunning gold and silver Viking-era sword pommel, unearthed in a field near Brigstock, outside Corby. Mr Green, 56, who lives on a narrowboat on the Grand Union Canal, had only been metal detecting for six weeks when he stumbled upon the ancient artefact in 2019. The find, which he described as 'absolutely stunning', was recently officially declared treasure by a coroner, paving the way for a local museum to potentially acquire it.
Mr Green recounted the moment his machine beeped, leading him to dig a small hole. Initially, he thought he might have found a bullet casing, but as more of the object emerged, a distinct gleam of gold became visible. He humorously described 'completely losing the plot', sitting on the ground and giggling as the full significance of his discovery dawned on him. The pommel's intricate design and precious materials suggest it belonged to someone of significant wealth or was a gift from a high-ranking individual.
Eleanore Cox, Northamptonshire's finds liaison officer, shared Mr Green's excitement, calling the pommel 'absolutely stunning' and a 'once-in-a-lifetime find'. She consulted a Viking sword expert from Glasgow, who identified the piece as likely originating from Gotland in Sweden, or having been crafted locally by a metalworker from that region. This detail offers a fascinating insight into the extensive trade and cultural connections during the Viking age, particularly given Corby's history as a settlement established by Danish invaders during the period known as the Danelaw, around AD900.
The Brigstock pommel has been precisely dated to between AD900 and 1120, placing it firmly within the era of Viking influence and settlement in England. In an intriguing development, another expert contacted Ms Cox after the coroner's inquest. It was revealed that the expert's son had found a gold loop, made from twisted beaded wire, near Brigstock in 2018. This loop, previously added to the Portable Antiquities database and disclaimed by museums, is now believed to be a fitting from further down the hilt of the very same sword.
Mr Green continues to enjoy his metal detecting hobby, which he says combines his passion for long walks and history. He expressed his delight that a Northamptonshire museum is hoping to acquire the pommel. For him, the act of finding such an artefact is not about ownership, but about preserving it from the elements and ensuring its place in history for future generations to appreciate. This discovery not only enriches our understanding of the Viking presence in the region but also highlights the ongoing contributions of amateur detectorists to Britain's archaeological record.