Collection
Brief description
Iron Axe Head found during 1860 renovation of Waltham Abbey Church. Found in the south aisle about 4 inches below the surface.
The 1860 finders believed they had found King Harold II's Battle Axe which he yielded at Stanford Bridge and Hastings and it was displayed as such in the church. The Museum has within its collection a 19th century Masonic photograph album showing the axe-head on display within the church, with the caption 'Harold's Battle Axe'.
During museum research, multiple interpretations were gathered concerning the identification of the axe head. Some specialists believe it was indeed an 11th century Danish axe, whereas others were not so sure, suggesting it could be an executioner's axe or felling axe.
Object number
EPPMS.2024.3
Object name
Axe Head
Associated persons
