Naomi Collick, Curator at Chiddingstone Castle inspecting the sword, which was fished out of the lake with a grappling hook. (William Lailey via SWNS)
By Isobel Williams
A 200-year-old sword was found sticking out of a castle lake after its water levels plummeted amid Britain's scorching summer.
The blade — dubbed Kent's Excalibur — was discovered at Chiddingstone Castle in Edenbridge.
Volunteers were clearing fallen branches last Thursday (Aug. 6) when they saw metal poking out of the water.
They fished the object out with a grappling hook and gave 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.
Naomi Collick, Curator at Chiddingstone Castle at the lake where the object which was fished out with a grappling hook, who has started investigating its origin, in Edenbridge, Kent. (William Lailey via SWNS)
Some social media commenters have even jokingly compared it to Excalibur — after the famous sword thrown into a lake as King Arthur lay dying.
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."
A view of Chiddingstone Castle. (William Lailey via SWNS)
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.
This is the moment volunteer Paul Fletcher and Gordon Proctor discovered the sword after pulling it out of the lake at Chiddingstone Castle in Edenbridge. (William Lailey via SWNS)
Another theory is that it might have belonged to troops who were stationed there during World War II.
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 curator has reported the sword to the finds liaison officer for the area and they are waiting to see if they need to report it further as a find.
Detailed images of the sword. (William Lailey via SWNS)
She said: "Really I am hoping that someone might come forward with some information on it.
"It is basically a case of detective work really.
"It is definitely very fragile so we need to be very careful."
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."
Chiddingstone Castle is a historic house, venue and museum with Tudor origins.
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