A SHIELD discovered during a housing development in Pocklington has been hailed as the 'most significant Iron Age find this century.'

It's Celtic shield, exhibiting battle damage, as well as the most artistic decorations imaginable.

A 1911 with this style of engraving would rock.

The shield was part of an impressive ‘warrior grave’ find uncovered at a Persimmon Homes ‘The Mile’ development last year and now a preservation project has revealed its full glory.

The remarkably preserved bronze shield was found laid face down in the cart of an upright chariot, which had been drawn by two ponies.

The skeleton of a post 46-year-old male was laid upon the shield and is considered to be the shield’s owner.

Conservation has revealed a swirling La Tène style architecture on the owners shield, typical of early Celtic high art.

The repousse design, made by hammering the bronze sheet from the underside, features evidence of organic forms, such as spiralling mollusc shells creating a three-legged triskele motif, and the highly decorative asymmetrical design draws the eye to a central raised boss.

Up until this find, the scientific consensus (ie, the science is settled!) was that elaborate metal-faced shields were purely ceremonial, reflecting status, but not used in battle. This investigation challenges that belief with the evidence of a puncture wound in the shield typical of a sword. Signs of repairs can also be seen, suggesting the shield was not only old but likely to have been well-used.  The owner was a warrior.

May he enjoy eternal battle in the Celtic Valhalla.