A PAIR of Sri Lankan sword handles thought to have come from the site of a major English Civil War battle are on show in Huntingdon from this week.

Historians think the handles, part of a new exhibition on the battle of Naseby at Cromwell Museum, were found at the battlefield in Northamptonshire, where Oliver Cromwell’s forces defeated the Royalists in 1645.

The owner of the swords and their presence at the battle remains a mystery, but the handles were mounted as a carving knife and fork set in the 19th century.

Also, on show at the museum are a leather buff-coat and a carbine, the flintlock firearm used by cavalry of the period. The exhibition is on loan from Market Harborough Museum and runs throughout the summer.

Curator John Goldsmith said: “We can only suggest that one of the handles was lost on the field at Naseby, and then re-used for the carving set. But who was the owner on that violent day in 1645? We may never know. Please come along and find out more about this important battle that happened on Huntingdon’s doorstep and form your own theories.”

INFORMATION: The Museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 4pm. Admission is free.