Celtic, c. 1st century AD, bronze and iron linch pin, 137mm x 24mm; remains of iron central shank which is fitted at the top with a bronze open ring or terret with a bulbous collar; at the bottom is a bronze lip-type foot. Northern Britain type. Bronze very fine with a green patina, iron rusted but still intact £280-£320

found in Gargrave (North Yorkshire), 2005 (PAS LANCUM-AB6320)

A linch-pin was used to fasten a wheel to the axle of a chariot and prevent the wheel from becoming loose. Julius Caesar noted how two-wheeled open chariots pulled by horses played a significant role in warfare in Iron Age Britain. Over 21 chariot burials from Yorkshire have now been discovered, suggesting a symbolic role in the afterlife.