The Lost Swords of Castillon: The Medieval Treasure No One Can Explain

The Forbidden History podcast explores the enduring mystery of the Swords of Castillon, a legendary cache of medieval swords allegedly recovered from the River Dordogne near Castillon, France, following the pivotal 1453 Battle of Castillon—the final major engagement of the Hundred Years' War. Though initially discovered in the 1970s by a dredging company, the exact location and circumstances of the find remain shrouded in secrecy, with only cryptic clues provided by arms and armor expert Ewert Oakeshott over decades. The swords, numbering up to 80 and spanning three distinct types, were long believed to be discarded by fleeing English and Gascon soldiers. However, new research by Clive Thomas suggests they were likely part of a merchant shipment—possibly spoils of war—transported on a river barge that sank due to a sudden tidal bore known as the Masqueray. The French Navy’s involvement in the early 70s, possibly to prevent treasure hunting during the Cold War, may have suppressed further investigation. Despite the passage of time, the swords continue to surface at auctions, captivating collectors and historians alike. The episode concludes with a reflection on how the story’s persistence—fueled by the arms trade and scholarly dedication—has preserved a medieval mystery that may never be fully resolved.