Age of ‘Viking' axe head found near Pershore revealed

Metal detectorist Stephen Grey discovered the striking object in a field in Drakes Broughton last year.

After being sent to Essex Coins Auction for examination, it has now been confirmed that it could be as much as 1,200 years old.

The official report states it is from between 800AD and 1500AD but adds that it is a Petersen Type G Axe.

Jan Petersen is a renowned Viking expert, and Type G suggests it is from 800 to 950AD.

In any case, Mr Grey, 54, is delighted with the find.

“Within minutes of it coming out the ground I had Viking experts living in Scandinavia confirming its Viking, at least in their opinion.

“I’m going to take the axe to local schools and events and give talks.”

READ MORE: Man inspired by late wife discovers ‘Viking’ axe near Pershore

The axe was found in a field in Drakes Broughton last September (Image: Stephen Grey)

Mr Grey moved to Evesham seven years ago to marry his late wife Rachael, who died from cancer three years ago.

He often goes out searching with Rachael’s 17-year-old dog, Buster.

They were all but ready to head home on September 23 last year when his detector came up with an iron signal.

He said: “Nobody in the hobby wants to dig iron, it’s not what we look for.

“I dug it up anyway and 15 inches down found a Viking axe dating from 800AD to 950AD.”

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Mr Grey is joined on many of his searches by his late wife's 17-year-old dog, Buster (Image: Stephen Grey)

Mr Grey explained that in 941AD, Edmund, son of Edward the Elder, gave the Abbey at Evesham to a pair of Viking raiders named Athelm and Ulric, who drove away the monks and tenants and occupied the site.

“There is every chance my battle axe was a monk slayer, which kind of blows my mind really,” added Mr Grey.

The report describes the axe head as “heavily corroded” with the tips of the blade now missing.

It adds: “A more precise date cannot be attributed as this type of axe head was used from the Early Medieval period through to the late Medieval. The object measures 170mm in length and 90mm in width.