My son loves everything medieval and has collected a few souvenirs in France and Italy. We now only have a few days left inEngland and have been surprised not to find anything yet. We are in Cardiff and heading in the direction of Avebury, Stonehenge and Tunbridge Wells. Does anyone have any ideas of towns that have shops with medieval swords etc. I thought of Glastonbury given the history but can't find anything on the Internet. Any help would be appreciated.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32859 posts
Traveling with or carrying weapons is not legal in England without a special permit.
You can't just go around with a sword.
If you want to see a lot of swords the walls around the staircase at Windsor Palace have hundreds of them. Most are a lot newer than medieval - most are Victorian.
Posted by
London, United Kingdom
4684 posts
Yes, British law on weapons is very strict, not just for firearms. Any sale of genuine historic swords would probably be through the kind of specialist antique dealer or auction house that would need prior online research and an appointment.
Posted by
2431 posts
As others have said, the purchasing of 'weapons' is strictly limited in the UK. Teenagers are not even allowed to purchase knives in Kitchenware shops/supermarkets. True antique swords would be very costly and confined to specialist dealers in antiquities.
Being as you are in Cardiff, I take it that you have taken the short (7 mile) train ride to see the magnificent Caerphilly Castle?
http://cadw.gov.wales/daysout/caerphilly-castle/?lang=en
Posted by
Basel, Switzerland
8889 posts
The legal limit is a blade length of 3½ inches (the law pre-dates metrication). If you are carrying a longer knife in the streets you can be prosecuted.
There is an exception for legitimate use, you can buy a long kitchen knife and carry it home; or if it is kept in your camping gear.
The longest models of Swiss Army knife, including the one they actually issue to soldiers, is not sold in the UK as it is over 3½ inches.
Many tourist-orientated castles have displays of original or replica weapons. For example here: https://www.warwick-castle.com/explore/the-mighty-trebuchet.aspx