Back in 2015, the University of Leicester Archaeological Services were excavating the Everards Meadows site when they came across an incredible find! That find was the remains of a bark object that had been deeply buried in the waterlogged fills of a substantial Iron Age pit. The object was soon identified as a bark shield dating from the Middle Iron Age.
The unique Enderby Shield was crafted from bark between 400BC-190BC and rediscovered over 2,000 years later. The Everard family chose to donate this important artifact to the extensive Iron Age collection at The British Museum for all to enjoy.
The team there has carefully conserved the shield and it is now proudly on display!
Dr Julia Farley, Curator of British and European Iron Age Collections at the British Museum, said: “This is an absolutely phenomenal object, one of the most marvellous, internationally important finds that I’ve encountered in my career. So often it is gold which grabs the headlines, but this bark shield is much rarer. It holds a rich store of information about Iron Age society and craft practices. We are grateful to Everards and the University of Leicester for donating such a significant object to the British Museum.”
Julian Everard, 6th Generation Chairman of Everards commented, “We are delighted to see the Enderby Shield on display and can see how much hard work has gone into conserving it so it can be enjoyed by generations to come. We are proud that so many visitors will see it on display and we celebrate it at our Everards Meadows home with our special sculpture created by local sculptor John Sydney Carter. Thank you to the University of Leicester Archaeological Services and The British Museum for all their efforts in recovering and restoring the shield.”
Want to know more about the Enderby Shield? Why not book a brewery tour or take a look at our statue outside our Beer Hall. If you’re a real history fan then google ‘Enderby Shield’ to learn lots more!
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Notes to editor:
Pictured
Pictured are members of the Everards family and team, John Sydney Carter and representatives from The British Museum and The University of Leicester.
Contact
Zoe Alonso, Communications Co-ordinator; Mon-Wed
07850 941 426, za@everards.co.uk
Kia Ryan, Communications Co-ordinator; Wed-Fri
07702 444 172, kr@everards.co.uk
About Everards:
Everards of Leicestershire is an independent, family business based in Leicestershire. Chairman, Julian Everard is the sixth generation of his family to run the business since it was established by William Everard in 1849. Everards are proud to work with lots of local businesses and causes – from Leicester Tigers and Leicester Riders, for which Tiger is the Official Beer, to supporting local charities such as Warning Zone, Age UK and PROSTaid.
Beers:
Tiger Copper Ale (4.2 per cent ABV) is Everards most famous beer and is the official beer of Leicester Tigers. On the bar alongside Tiger you will find Golden Hop (3.5 per cent ABV), Beacon Hill (3.8 per cent ABV), Sunchaser (4.0 per cent ABV) and Old Original (5.2 per cent ABV) available in many Everards pubs. In addition, an innovative range of Limited-Edition beers are released throughout the year.
Pubs:
Everards own more than 150 pubs across the Midlands, all run as independent businesses.
For further information please visit www.everards.co.uk , search for ‘Everards’ on Facebook or find @Everards1849 on X and Instagram
Contact
Zoe Alonso, Communications Co-ordinator; Mon-Wed
07850 941 426, za@everards.co.uk
Kia Ryan, Communications Co-ordinator; Wed-Fri
07702 444 172, kr@everards.co.uk
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