Ground Breaking Discovery On Show in Yeovil

A rare Bronze Age shield is now in the hands of South Somerset District Council’s heritage staff after arriving at the Museum of South Somerset in Yeovil.

The ancient shield - which dates back from around 1000 BC - was found at local landmark Cadbury Castle, and was the first shield in northwest Europe to have been found at its archaeological roots.

Somerset County Council has loaned it to the Museum of South Somerset to ensure this important find remains accessible to the public while it develops the £6.8 million Museum of Somerset, which is due to open in the Summer of 2010.

David Hill, Visitor Services Manager at South Somerset District Council says, “There are only twenty Bronze Age shields in the country so we are incredibly privileged to be able to display and care for not only one of Somerset’s most precious relics but one of the nation’s. We hope that people will hurry down to see this fascinating local artefact.

“What’s most interesting is its past. A number of Bronze Age shields have suffered damage and it is believed that this particular shield was stabbed in three places as part of a ritual ‘killing of the shield’ at the time of its burial in South Cadbury. It is also the most southerly shield discovered to date, eleven years ago.”

The South Cadbury Shield will be on display at the newly accredited Museum of South Somerset in Hendford, Yeovil. Cllr Sylvia Seal, South Somerset District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture and Well-Being says, “We are lucky to live in a historically and culturally rich part of the country and we should all take time to appreciate this local historical artefact. It’s very exciting that we have been allowed to display this exceptional shield and is a real boost to the area.”

Cllr Justin Robinson, Somerset County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Health & Well-Being, said: “I am delighted that people will still be able to view this wonderful shield while Somerset County Council redevelops the County Museum to create the Museum of Somerset. The facilities and care offered by the Museum of South Somerset are excellent and we are pleased that they are looking after one of our key archaeological objects.”

To find out more about the Museum of South Somerset and other heritage facilities in South Somerset visit www.southsomerset.gov.uk/museum or contact Clare Robinson on 01935 462855.