Viking sword at Chertsey Museum

Viking Sword

This magnificent Viking sword was made in the Rhinelands of Germany for export to Scandinavia. This type of sword was greatly prized by the Vikings. It was designed as a slashing weapon to be held in one hand and has a double edged iron blade. On one side of the blade is the maker's name 'ulfberit', usually known as 'Ulfberht', a famous 10th century maker. The sword handle is decorated with copper and silver loops and swags inlaid.

The sword was discovered during gravel digging at Thorpe in 1981. It may have been cast into the river as part of a burial ritual or possibly lost during a Viking raid on the area. Chertsey Abbey was sacked by the Vikings in AD 871, when the Abbot Beocca and 90 monks were killed and again in around 1010 or 1011.

This exhibit is a rare and graphic reminder of the story of invasion and bloodshed throughout the time of the Dark Ages.

Chertsey Museum 

Chertsey Museum is located in a Grade II listed Regency town house with a charming garden. The displays include important archaeological finds from the Thames Valley such as a Celtic sword, a late Bronze age axe and shield, and a Viking sword. Also on view are medieval tiles from Chertsey Abbey. A costume gallery shows selections from the prestigious Olive Matthews collection, while you can also see local clocks, English glass and Meissen porcelain. A lively exhibitions and events programme complements the permanent display.

Facilities

Interactive displays; toilets; parking for disabled visitors; holiday activities for children; children's Saturday morning club; evening events/lectures by arrangement; Friends Group; local history research facility.

Admission

Open Tuesday-Friday, 12.30-4.30pm and Saturday 11am-4pm.
Guided tours, school parties and coach parties welcome (please book in advance).
Free admission.

How to get there

Road: The Cedars, 33 Windsor Street, Chertsey KT16 8AT.
Bus: Within 15 minutes walk.
Train: Chertsey Station, within 15 minutes walk.
Telephone: 01932 565764.
E-mail: Not yet available.
Web site: Not yet available.

Medieval Tile - another interesting exhibit at Chertsey

This is one of eleven splendid medieval tiles which were found close to the site of Chertsey Abbey in 1996. They were identified as 13th century decorative tiles made at the town's Abbey.

Hand made decorative tiles made at the Abbey have been described as 'the most famous tiles in England' and are of national significance. Popular designs on these remarkable tiles include Zodiac signs, the farming months of the year and legends, as well as decorative patterns.

Central to the designs used during the Middle Ages was the idea of a personal 'Quest' to get closer to God and to Heaven. The eleven complete tiles are very rare as mostly only fragments and small tiles survive. The Abbey was founded in AD666 and survived 900 years until its destruction by King Henry VIII during the 'Dissolution of the Monasteries'.

This tile shows the zodiac sign Aries the Ram.

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