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Bronze Age sword discovered by divers at Salcombe
A rare Bronze Age sword has been discovered by divers Becky Gill and Catherine Gill from the South West Maritime Archaeological Group (SWMAG) while investigating the Salcombe Cannon and Moor Sand protected wreck sites off the coast of Devon.
The sword is believed to date to the middle or late Bronze Age (c.1300-800 BC) but it is hoped that future work will be able to refine this. Previous dives over the seabed from Salcombe have found remnants of at least two separate Bronze Age shipwrecks, so it is conceivable that the sword came from one of these. Following conservation, the sword will be donated to the British Museum.
Angus flagstone roofs at risk
An audit report from Historic Environment Scotland (HES), concerning Angus flagstone roofs, has revealed that only 240 buildings across Scotland retain this once-common feature.
Angus flagstone was once extensively quarried across the region and was especially known for its ability to naturally split into durable, flat slabs, leading to it becoming a staple in Angus architecture. When quarrying stopped, however, new flagstone became harder to come by, leading to many original flagstone roofs being replaced over time. HES is nowworking to help preserve the remaining examples. Colin Tennant, Interim Director of Cultural Assets at HES, said: ‘That’s why we’re exploring how we can work together with local partners and suppliers to safeguard these flagstone roofs, so that they can be cherished as part of Angus’s legacy as well as its future.’
Church Monuments Society essay competition
The Council of the Church Monuments Society has announced the details of their biennial Church Monuments essay competition. The £500 prize is awarded to the entrant with the best essay on a monument or related form of commemoration, in a church, churchyard, or cemetery, of any period or location. The competition is only open to those who have not previously published an article in Church Monuments, and entrants must also be current members of the Church Monuments Society. The closing date for new entries is 31 January 2027.
For further details, please visit https://churchmonumentssociety.org/get-involved/competitions/essay-competition or email the journal’s editors Professor Elizabeth Tingle and Christopher Williams, at editors.churchmonuments@gmail.com.
Text: Kathryn Krakowka / Image: South West Maritime Archaeological Group
