200-year-old ‘Excalibur’ sword emerges from lake after water levels plummet

A blade dubbed ‘Kent’s Excalibur’ has been discovered at a castle lake after being hidden for more than 200 years.

Scorching temperatures dried out the lake near Chiddingstone Castle in Edenbridge, allowing volunteers who were clearing fallen branches to spot the metal.

They fished the object out with a grappling hook and gave it to the castle’s curator, Naomi Collick, who started investigating its origin.

Theories about its owner include soldiers, Victorian bandsmen, an art dealer – or a ghost.

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Naomi, 33, said: ‘The volunteers were called Gordon and Paul so not Arthur unfortunately – but quite noble names still I think.

‘You never know, maybe they will be called to rule the country. Hopefully the sword is at the center of another great story. I think [the volunteers] were very excited and proud to have discovered it. When [they] showed it to me, I was just in shock really. I was so amazed.

‘We have not discovered anything like this before on the grounds, so it was absolutely fascinating.’

Research suggests that it might be a Victorian bandsman’s sword from the early 1800s, which was used for ceremonies.

The lake was built in the 1800s, so it is expected to be a maximum of 200 years old.

The sword has a gilded hilt featuring a lion on the end, which is believed to be made of brass and is in very good condition.

The curved blade itself, however, is coated in rust and covered in mud from the lake. Staff at the castle have wrapped it in acid-free tissue and are using gloves to handle it.

Eccentric former owner Denys Eyre Bower was an art dealer who collected swords, so it is also thought it could be one of his.

Another theory is that it might have belonged to troops who were stationed there during World War Two.

But the most magical theory is that it belonged to the ghost of a soldier who is said by local legend to haunt the lake.

Naomi, who has worked there for nine years, added: ‘There are a few different theories but it is still a bit of a mystery. There are so many options really.

‘It could have been from the early 1800s and have been hidden in the lake all this time. There is a local ghost story about a soldier falling in the lake but I don’t know if that can be verified in any way. There are definitely some interesting local stories about the lake and the castle.’

Naomi says they have contacted many other museums and experts to see if anyone can help confirm its identity. They are also doing extensive research and looking through their archives.

The castle is not the only area facing lower water levels, with officials confirming that more than two-thirds of England is now in a drought.Naomi says this has had a huge impact on the grounds of the castle.

She said: ‘If the water level goes down any further due to the heatwaves and droughts maybe there is more to be discovered.

‘The grass on our lawns is totally browned and dry. You can definitely see the impact of the heat on the grounds. Trees are dropping leaves early as well.’

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