Exploring Kent's Past

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Monument details

Summary

A number of mid to late Bronze Age daggers and swords found in the late 19th century. The finds include a middle Bronze Age dagger of rapier type, the tip and part of the centre of a late Bronze Age leaf-shaped sword and two complete late Bronze Age leaf-shaped swords. The exact provenence of these swords is uncertain and one may have been found near Upnor Reach. They are thought represent a number of separate discoveries.

Monument Types

• FINDSPOT (Middle Bronze Age to Late Bronze Age - 1600 BC to 701 BC)

Associated Finds

• DAGGER (Middle Bronze Age - 1600 BC to 1001 BC)
• SWORD (Late Bronze Age - 1000 BC to 701 BC)

Full description

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The following implements, found in the Medway at Chatham Reach, were presented to the British Museum in 1871:- ['A'] A Middle Bronze Age Dagger, 11-8 ins long, of a type which became elongated and developed into the rapier. ['B'] Two pieces, the tip and part of the centre, of a Late Bronze Age leaf-shaped sword. ['C'] A Late Bronze Age leaf-shaped sword, 23.75 ins long. ['D'] A Late Bronze Age leaf-shaped sword, 31.25 ins long. This is noted by Evans as having been found at Upnor Reach [TQ 762709]. Jessup, who examined the objects in the museum, notes a lack of detailed information regarding these discoveries. [In consequence it must be accepted that they were found separately.] (1)(2) Additional bibliography. (3)

<1> Arch. Cant. 45, 1933,184-6 (R.F. Jessup) (OS Card Reference). SKE37011.

<2> A.B.1. 1881, 280,281, (J. Evans) (OS Card Reference). SKE32924.

<3> VCH Kent 1 1908 336 (G Clinch) (OS Card Reference). SKE50840.

Sources and further reading