Once I was a clever boy learning the arts of Oxford... is a quotation from the verses written by Bishop Richard Fleming (c.1385-1431) for his tomb in Lincoln Cathedral. Fleming, the founder of Lincoln College in Oxford, is the subject of my research for a D. Phil., and, like me, a son of the West Riding. I have remarked in the past that I have a deeply meaningful on-going relationship with a dead fifteenth century bishop... it was Fleming who, in effect, enabled me to come to Oxford and to learn its arts, and for that I am immensely grateful.


Wednesday 2 November 2022

Scottish sword pommel from circa 700


Ancient Origins reports on an insular style gold sword pommel which was found in 2019 by a metal detector at Blair Drummond north west of Stirling. It is dated to circa 700. 

The piece appears to be stylistically unique, and the intricacy of its design is reminiscent of the finds from Sutton Hoo and elsewhere in Britain of a seventh century date. The design appears to combine Christian and pagan elements, the owner in the age of the Conversion perhaps hedging his spiritual bets.

The splendour of what remains is another reminder of the impressive figure cut by a warrior in this period when he went into battle or was signifying his status.

The pommel has been designated as treasure and assigned to the National Museum of Scotland.

The illustrated article about it can be seen at 1,300-Year-Old Solid Gold Pommel Is Like No Other


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