Of the five swords to be described four, of iron, come from the Middle Thames basin. The fifth is sculptured on stone and comes from the North Riding of Yorkshire. It is especially interesting as a commentary on one of the iron swords.

Under each sword description there has been added a brief note on types and possible affinities.

I have to thank Mrs. Brakspear, the vicar of Ebberston, the Thames Conservancy Board, and Reading Museum for allowing me to publish the swords; and Messrs. W. A. Smallcombe, W. Seaby, C. Scott, R. Patterson, D. E. Redfearn, J. D. Cowen, and T. D. Kendrick for much help given.