During the Second World War, circa 1942, sand and gravel was extracted in an area to the north of the River Ouse at Felmersham. This area is now known as Felmersham Nature Reserve and is open to the public. 
 
During the gravel working some significant Celtic grave goods were found possibly placed in the grave of an important Celtic chief who lived over some 2000 years ago. Unfortunately they were extensively damage during excavation and it is also believed that many of the objects were not recovered.
 
However at least one of the pieces now on view in Bedford Museum is considered to be very rare.

Bronze Spout from a Beer Strainer

This cast bronze spout is in the form of a fish head, probably a salmon. The Celtics believed that salmon provided them with knowledge and wisdom.   The spout was worked in beeswax and clay was then moulded around the wax. The wax was removed by melting and bronze poured into the clay mould. Finally the bronze casting was coated with a red enamel which, over the years, has mostly disappeared.   It was probably made circa 100BC.

Photographs:
     © K F Shrimpton who wishes to thank Bedford Museum
      for allowing photographs to be taken.

Text:
      Some of the text is précised from the display cards in
      Bedford Museum.