Lot 2
THE CHRISTMAS METEORITE
CHONDRITE, L6, FELL BARWELL, LEICESTERSHIRE, UNITED KINGDOM, 24TH DECEMBER 1965
Auction: 28 May 2026 from 13:00 BST
Description
one of the largest fragments olivine-hypersthene chondrite, with trace iron, L6 classified
Dimensions
95.87g, 5.6cm tall
Provenance
Fell at Barwell , found by Mrs. Jean Ferguson (nee McKellar), 6th January 1966
Subsequently in the Robert Elliot Meteorite Collection, United Kingdom
Footnote
Known as the “Barwell meteorite”, and widely considered to be the most famous British meteorite, this fall occurred over the village of Barwell, England, at approximately 4:20 pm on Christmas Eve 1965.
A large aerial explosion and accompanying sonic boom shook the area and alarmed residents. Fragments struck buildings and vehicles: one broke through a house window and landed in a plant pot, another formed an impact pit in a driveway, while a further piece penetrated a garage roof and became lodged in a car near the engine block. Local observers, including carol singers, later reported unknowingly walking over fallen material.
A significant quantity of this L6 chondrite was recovered shortly after the fall, resulting in specimens that retain a notably fresh, light coloured matrix with minimal weathering. The Barwell event is one of the very few witnessed meteorite falls in England and is also notable for the number of fragments that struck man made objects, a feature particularly valued by collectors.