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Halberd

Iron, Wood, and Copper Alloy
Origin: England, ca. 1600
Context: James Fort’s Second Well

This ornate halberd was recovered from the bottom of a ca. 1611-1616 well near the north bulwark of James Fort.

Halberds were carried by the bodyguards of important people. When the newly appointed Governor and Captain General of Virginia, Lord De La Warr, arrived at Jamestown on June 10,1610, he had 50 halberdiers to protect him. He served just ten months in the colony before returning to England.

The iron head on this ceremonial polearm is highly engraved and includes images of griffins, De La Warr’s heraldic crest. The top blade has been purposely bent, perhaps to retrieve items the colonists had lost down the well.

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related images

Director of Archaeology David Givens discovers the halberd in James Fort's second well.
Director of Archaeology David Givens discovers the halberd in James Fort’s second well.
Archaeologist Danny Schmidt carries the halberd to the surface after its discovery.
Archaeologist Danny Schmidt carries the halberd to the surface after its discovery.
Director of Collections and Conservation Michael Lavin uses air abrasion to remove corrosion from the halberd.
Director of Collections and Conservation Michael Lavin uses air abrasion to remove corrosion from the halberd.
Detail of the halberd during air abrasion showing the griffin motif
Detail of the halberd during air abrasion showing the griffin motif
Halberd detail showing griffin motifs
Halberd detail showing griffin motifs
The halberdiers of Prince Maurice of Orange
The halberdiers of Prince Maurice of Orange