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The Cawood Sword in its display case.

Andrew Morrison, curator of archaeology at the museum, says: 鈥淭his is one of the best preserved Viking swords ever found. It is hard to believe it is nearly 1,000 years old. The combination of its age, condition and the mysterious inscription make it a really important acquisition for the museum, especially as it was originally found close by."

The sword was found in the late 19th Century in the River Ouse near Cawood Castle which was a Viking Lord's stronghold, but the exact date and circumstances of its find remain a mystery. Andrew says he's keen to get the people of Cawood involved in finding out more about it.

The Cawood Sword's mysterious inscription.

The Cawood Sword can be dated to 1100 by comparing it to a remarkably similar sword found in Norway, probably made by the same craftsman. The swords are almost identical except the one in Norway has an inscription on its hilt in Runes. By studying this Viking language both blades can be dated to this time.