One of York’s most famous and treasured artefacts is on display at a special exhibition in the Tower of London until January 2016.

From this week until 31 January 2016 the world famous Tower of London will play host to a special exhibition from the Royal Armouries to mark the 600th anniversaryof the battle of Agincourt with the Sigusmund Sword from York playing a starring role.

The exhibition brings together, for the first time, rare and iconic objects from the collections of the Royal Armouries and elsewhere to retell the moving story of this deadly encounter; from the road to battle, to the events of 25 October 1415 and the aftermath, which in turn will explore the popular myths, reality and legacy of this extraordinary battle.

York’s Mansion House has offered the exhibition use of the sword as work starts at the historic townhouse to restore the building and ensure a better visitor experience and ensure visitors can see more of the building and its Civic collection than ever before.

The restoration comes following a grant of £1,198,700 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) as well as funding from the council and donations to the restoration fund.

The City of York ceremonial sword and scabbard on display at the exhibition dates from circa 1416. On Sigismund’s death in 1437 the sword became the property of the dean and canons of St George’s and was acquired by one of the canons who may have presented the sword to the City of York on 5 May 1439 and it has been used as a civic sword since that date.

Today the sword is used on ceremonial occasions such freedom of the city, Mayor Making and Full council. The sword was also used for the recent State visit in 2012 which saw the Monarch presented with the Sigismund sword before they enter the city.

The exhibition’s curator and medieval specialist, Dr Malcolm Mercer said, “We are delighted to include the City of York ceremonial sword and scabbard in this exhibition. No original weapons from the battlefield are known to survive, but records tell us that this sword is part of a fascinating legacy of the powerful royal alliances formed in the aftermath of this remarkable battle.”

For more information on the Agincourt 600 exhibition please visit www.agincourt600.com/event/royal-armouries-exhibition-tower-of-london/