Dear Mr Cornwell, It has been some years since I last wrote to you (in which you had the kindness to respond) and thanks to the recent adventures of Uhtred and Nick Hook, my lawn has missed many a scheduled mowing. My question is this. I recently read an article about a 7th century sword discovered at Bamburgh (Bebbanburg)Castle. (A link to the story below). The sword is thought to be exceptionally rare and most likely made for a King at the height of the Anglo Saxon period. The method of production of this pattern-welded sword sounds remarkably similar to Serpent-Breath, the sword fashioned for Lord Uhtred in The Last Kingdom. This story came to light in 2006, yet The Last Kingdom was published in 2004. Were you aware of this discovery beforehand, and therefore weaved it into the story, or is this just a delightful coincidence? I look forward to ignoring my lawn again soon. Yours, Jon Elliott

http://www.northumberlandgazette.co.uk/news/Unique-castle-sword-found-in.1580775.jp