SE13 Hither Green, Ladywell, Lewisham

This bronze axe-head was found in the riverbed of the Ravensbourne at Hither Green in 1907. It can be dated to about 1400 bc.

Well-shaped tool

The axe-head would have been cast in a mould of clay, stone or possibly metal. Its wide crescent-shaped cutting edge would have made it an extremely efficient tool.

Giving it to the river

Large numbers of metal objects have been found in the Thames and its tributaries. It seems likely that they represent gifts offered to the gods or to people's ancestors.