Legend has it that this beautiful sword (known as a falchion) was the very one that killed the Sockburn Worm, a terrible beast that terrorised the local neighbourhood until slain by a certain young man called Sir John Conyers. 1/4

Made in the 13th century, the falchion symbolises Durham’s commitment to its faith. It is presented to a new bishop of Durham when he first crosses the Tees from the south into his new diocese. A replica is now used in this ceremony. 2/4

In 1826 the falchion was presented on Croft Bridge to Bishop Van Mildert by Sir Edward Blackett. This was the last time in over 160 years that it was presented in a public ceremony. It was presented to Bishop Villiers in 1860, but this was a private ceremony aboard a train! 3/4

The Conyers Falchion forms part of our Cathedral Library Collections and is on display within our museum, Open Treasure. Be sure to come and see it for yourself when the cathedral and museum reopen. #EnglishTourismWeek20 @BedesBooks 4/4