Two 19th-century artillery shells from the Ceredigion Museum have been safely detonated by a bomb disposal unit.

The rifled muzzle loader shells were found on Gwbert Beach, near Cardigan, in the 1880s and have been kept in the museum stores for the last 10 years. Although previously deemed safe, a recent check found traces of explosives.

The shells were taken to Borth beach on Tuesday and detonated by a bomb disposal unit from Gloucester.

The museum curator, Carrie Canham, commented: “Although the shells have been inspected by various experts over the years, and were confident that they were safe, a recent check was carried out by the bomb disposal unit who found traces of explosive and recommended their safe disposal.”

Artillery shell safely detonated by bomb unit
The shells were discovered by the harbin family of ty gwyn farm
Uxo
The bomb crater on borth beach

Our UXO Services

With three offices across the UK and recruits from the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force, we rapidly deploy EOD-trained personnel across the UK to manage unexploded ordnance risk and offer flexible support to projects nationwide. No matter where your project may be, we can provide you with bespoke solutions to the risk posed by explosive ordnance.

You can keep up to date with Brimstone by following us on FacebookInstagramX (formerly known as Twitter), LinkedIn and YouTube.