England is full of sites where the traces of past civilizations are still reflecting under the surface of the fields. Each year, excavations reveal clues to the way in which Celts and Romans have coexisted, fought or merged over the centuries. Between the Iron Age and the Roman Conquest, the Cotswolds region was the scene of major upheavals, marked by the arrival of an empire and the transformation of landscapes and societies. It is in this context that two Roman cavalry swords were discovered.
exhumed by an amateur in 2023, this find made it possible to uncover an archaeological site of an unexpected magnitude. In a few months, archaeologists and volunteers revealed vestiges covering several centuries, testifying to a local history deeply linked to the great dynamics of British antiquity.
The fortuitous discovery of two swords with historic consequences
In March 2023, an unlikely event marked a turning point for British archeology. Glenn Manning, a passionate beginner in metal detection, participated in his second rally near Willersey, in the Cotswolds, when he made an exceptional find: two long Roman cavalry swords, barely buried 2.5 cm below the surface of a plowed field. This discovery occurred in an area already explored several times by other amateurs. But without any index having never emerged. Manning, who admits to having felt a “feeling” the day before, had just uncovered almost 1,800 years old artefacts.
With an unwavering passion for local news, Christopher leads our editorial team with integrity and dedication. With over 20 years’ experience, he is the backbone of Wouldsayso, ensuring that we stay true to our mission to inform.
