Schoolgirl discovers mystery sword in same lake King Arthur's legendary Excalibur was thrown
Seven-year-old surprised to find four-foot blade lying underwater
Your support helps us to tell the story
As your White House correspondent, I ask the tough questions and seek the answers that matter.
Your support enables me to be in the room, pressing for transparency and accountability. Without your contributions, we wouldn't have the resources to challenge those in power.
Your donation makes it possible for us to keep doing this important work, keeping you informed every step of the way to the November election
Andrew Feinberg
White House Correspondent
A schoolgirl pulled a mysterious sword from the same lake in Cornwall that King Arthur’s legendary blade Excalibur is said to have been thrown into.
Seven-year-old Matilda Jones, from Doncaster, was paddling in Dozmary Pool on Bodmin Moor with her father, Paul, when she stumbled across the object. According to folklore, that is where the legendary King of England threw Excalibur before he died.
Mr Jones said he initially did not believe his daughter when she said she could see a sword.
He told the Sheffield Star: “It was a blistering hot day and Matilda asked if we could go for a paddle. She was only waist deep when she said she could see a sword. I told her not to be silly and it was probably a bit of fencing, but when I looked down I realised it was a sword. It was just there laying flat on the bottom of the lake.
Mr Jones had told Matilda and her sister Lois, 4, about the legend of the sword on the way to the pool during a family holiday.
The tale says Arthur received the sword from the Lady of the Lake after rowing out to meet her. When he was fatally injured in the Battle of Camlann, he returned to the lake to give the blade back before he died. According to some interpretations of the Arthurian legend, the owner of Excalibur is the rightful monarch of England.
Any hopes Matilda’s has of becoming queen are on hold for now, however, as her family believe the sword is only about 20 or 30 years old. Mr Jones said: “I don't think it's particularly old. It's probably an old film prop.”
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments