The Hidden Details of Cromwell's Sword

One of my favourite pieces in the Cromwell Museum, is undoubtedly the 17th century mortuary sword, which was believed to have been owned by Oliver Cromwell himself. It features many properties which were typical at that time, especially regarding mortuary swords. A mortuary sword is a term which was coined in the 19th century for Civil War era basket-hilted swords and the designs of these were fairly universal, with a dish shaped guard as well as two side guards linked by either one, two or three scrolled crossbars screwed into a fig shaped pommel. However, these hilts and guards would feature intricate decorations which varied greatly, such as delicate foliage or even riders on horseback and petal-like patterns. This particular sword features the cartouche of a male or female head found on the hilt. This was common during the 17th century and even before the Civil War, with the inclusion of the head suggesting the continuation of an Elizabethan tradition depicting decorative masks on furniture and ornaments. Mortuary swords were also unique to Britain and not found elsewhere.

However, the most striking addition to this specific artefact is the engraving of Cromwell’s initials (OC) on the blade, adding further credibility to the claim of it belonging to him. Other details shown around the hilt also suggest that even if Cromwell himself didn’t own it, an individual of great significance did. The hilt, which is lavishly designed, features scrolling foliage, decorated with silver and stylised dolphin-head terminals.

The pommel is also chiselled with foliage as well as the wooden grip being spirally bound with silver wire of alternating thickness. With the evidence of the initials and the ornate description, it seems quite likely that this belonged to Cromwell himself.

Written by Imtiaz Ahmed, Year 10 Work Experience Student, 2026.