Mystery of Castile Swords - Medieval Dead - S03 EP03 - History Documentary
Banijay History・30 minutes read
The Mystery of the Castillon swords revolves around a lost horde of steel swords linked to the Battle of Castillon, captivating collectors and historians. The swords were discovered in Castillon, near Bordeaux, France, with as many as 80 swords linked to the battlefield, adding to the legend of the event.
Insights
- The Castillon swords, linked to the Battle of Castillon in 1453, were discovered near Bordeaux, France, and have become a subject of fascination for collectors and historians due to their historical significance and association with the end of English dominance in France during the Hundred Years War.
- The research into the Castillon swords, led by Tim Sutherland and later continued by Clive, revealed new details about their discovery in the Dordoin River, challenging previous narratives and shedding light on the possible events surrounding the swords' transportation on a river barge, which may have sunk due to natural forces, leading to the swords' mysterious appearance.
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Recent questions
What is the Mystery of the Castillon swords?
The Mystery of the Castillon swords revolves around a lost horde of steel swords linked to the Battle of Castillon, marking the end of a war. These swords, not made of gold or silver, have captivated collectors and historians due to their association with a significant historical event.
Who discovered the swords in Castillon, France?
The swords were discovered in Castillon, near Bordeaux, France, with as many as 80 swords linked to the battlefield. David Oliver, an arms and armor expert, eventually traced the swords back to Castillon through his contacts in the trade.
What was the significance of the Battle of Castillon in 1453?
The Battle of Castillon in 1453 was a catastrophic defeat for the English, marking the end of their dominance in France during the Hundred Years War. The battle saw the English army face overwhelming French firepower, resulting in a devastating defeat and the end of English rule in France.
How were the swords transported before being discovered?
The swords, possibly collected after the Battle of Castillon, were loaded on a river barge, possibly by English, Gascon, or French troops, for transportation. The barge may have sunk due to the Dordoin River's tidal bore, a natural force that could have swamped or sunk the craft without warning.
What types of swords are in the Royal Armories collection?
The swords in the Royal Armories collection fall into three broad types: Type A, Type B, and Type C. These swords vary in design, with Type A being the most numerous and powerful-looking. Additionally, a Falcon type sword in the collection is unique and finely crafted, possibly custom-made.
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Summary
00:00
"Castillon Swords: Medieval Mystery Unveiled"
- The Mystery of the Castillon swords revolves around a lost horde of steel swords, not gold or silver, linked to the Battle of Castillon, marking the end of a war.
- Tim Sutherland, a seasoned archaeologist, leads a team exploring medieval life through the study of the medieval dead, offering a unique perspective on history.
- The swords of Castillon, originating from the 5th to the 15th century, have captivated collectors and historians due to their association with a significant historical event.
- The swords were discovered in Castillon, near Bordeaux, France, with as many as 80 swords linked to the battlefield, adding to the legend of the event.
- The swords were sold at various auctions across Europe, with their origin initially shrouded in secrecy for security reasons.
- David Oliver, an arms and armor expert, eventually traced the swords back to Castillon through his contacts in the trade.
- The swords are classic medieval fighting weapons, with one of them displayed at a prestigious auction in London, garnering significant interest.
- Tim Sutherland finally gets to see a group of Castillon swords displayed together, showcasing their historical significance and craftsmanship.
- The Battle of Castillon in 1453 was a catastrophic defeat for the English, marking the end of their dominance in France during the Hundred Years War.
- The battle saw the English army, led by Sir John Talbot, face overwhelming French firepower, resulting in a devastating defeat and Talbot's death, with the swords assumed to be linked to this event.
19:09
"Lost Swords Found in River: Historical Collection"
- Swords were discovered in the Ford during the route in the early 1980s.
- The swords were assumed to be lost in the river by English and Gascon men at Arms fleeing from the French.
- The author of the article in 1982 was Ewart Oakeshott, a prominent figure in historical arms and armor research.
- Oakeshott wrote many books and influenced future researchers, including the narrator who met him years later.
- The swords were initially thought to be packed in a box or crate but were later confirmed to be in two large wooden barrels.
- The swords were acquired by the Royal Armories through auctions or dealers starting from 1977.
- The swords in the Royal Armories collection fall into three broad types: Type A, Type B, and Type C.
- The swords in the collection vary in design, with Type A being the most numerous and powerful-looking.
- A Falcon type sword in the collection is unique and finely crafted, possibly custom-made.
- Some swords in the collection show evidence of being scabbarded when they went into the water, raising questions about their origin and use.
34:25
Unraveling the Mystery of Casteon Blight
- Over three decades, numerous articles and books were written about the Casteon Blight, but the story remained incomplete, with swords continuously appearing for auction.
- Clive took on the task of completing the research, aiming to establish the true chain of events surrounding the discovery of the swords in 1974 by a dredging company.
- The general area of the find was known, near the Ford of Jean-Bar, not the Ford of Razan as previously thought, changing the narrative of the swords' association with the 1453 battle.
- The swords, possibly collected after the battle, were of types used in the 15th century, loaded on a river barge, possibly by English, Gascon, or French troops, for transportation.
- Clive discovered that the barge may have sunk due to the Dordoin River's tidal bore, a natural force that could have swamped or sunk the craft without warning.
- The French Navy's involvement in investigating river discoveries, like the swords, due to a law in France, led to the secrecy surrounding the find, with the recovered swords eventually reaching high prices at auction.
