The Battersea Shield is a sheet bronze and shield decorated in La Tène style. It probably dates from the first century BC to early first century AD, though an earlier date is possible, and dates from as early as 300 BC have been suggested. It was dredged from the bed of the River Thames in the UK, during excavations for the predecessor of Chelsea Bridge; in the same area workers found large quantities of Roman and Celtic weapons and skeletons in the riverbed, leading many historians to conclude that the area was the site of Julius Caesar's crossing of the Thames during the 54 BC invasion of Britain.

The Battersea Shield is one of the most significant pieces of Celtic military equipment found in Britain. The Shield is decorated with repoussé decoration and enamel. The decoration is in the typically Celtic La Tène style, consisting of circles and spirals.

As a decorative piece it would not have been an effective shield in combat. As it shows no signs of battle damage, it is believed that the shield was cast into the river as a votive offering and was never used in battle. The metal plate of the shield that remains would have been fixed onto a plain, round wooden shield behind it.

The shield was discovered in 1857 and is on display in the British Museum, while a replica is housed in the Museum of London.

The decoration is in the typically Celtic La Tène style, consisting of circles and spirals, representing swastikas (27 in total).

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External images
	Photo of the shield(uncommented)[1]
	Black&white photo[2]

• British Museum: the Battersea shield