Becky Gill and Catherine Gill discovered a 3,000-year-old Bronze Age sword while diving at underwater archaeological sites off south Devon.
Volunteer divers Becky Gill and Catherine Gill discovered a rare Bronze Age sword while investigating the Salcombe Cannon and Moor Sand protected wreck sites. The weapon, which is approximately 3,000 years old, was found during a project funded by Historic England. Experts believe the sword dates from the Middle or Late Bronze Age, between 1300 BC and 800 BC. While centuries underwater have worn away some parts of the blade, the find provides significant insight into ancient maritime history. Neil Wilkin of the British Museum described the discovery as a wonderful and important addition to the site, noting that it will help researchers better understand maritime trade and travel around Britain's coast. The sword joins a collection of previous finds from the area, which includes axe heads, a gold bracelet, gold ingots, and more than 400 gold coins. Once conservation work is finished, the sword will be donated to the British Museum for further study and future research.