WW2 shell 'livened up' heritage audit

A bomb squad was called out to check over a World War Two shell which had "livened up" an audit at a heritage archive.

Volunteers at Kirkgate Arts and Heritage, which hold artefacts and memorabilia in Cockermouth, Cumbria, were completing an audit of its collection before moving it to improved storage, when they came across the shell.

Community projects officer Helen Johnston said the team was aware someone had donated a brass artillery shell 30 years ago, but it had not been checked over formally.

"I've seen shells before, but this was heavier and much more complete," Johnston said, adding: "I did think, 'Well it's been here for 30 years so if we don't disturb it we'll be fine'."

The team called Cumbria Police, who then called the explosive ordnance disposal regiment from Catterick who confirmed it was not live and it had its internal mechanisms removed.

The group's chief executive Emma Heys said officers ensured everyone in the building and surrounding properties were kept safe while investigations continued.

"It certainly livened up the audit," she said.

"I must admit we had a nervous wait for the army team to arrive."

Johnston said she was "glad we found it, if we hadn't that would have been an even bigger worry".

She said the team was told the brass shell was donated by someone who had reassured the team it was not live.

"We don't know much about its history, so we just wanted to be double sure it was safe."

It comes as the group prepares to show its objects, photographs and memorabilia dating back to the 18th Century on 12 September.

"We'll have lots of surprising objects on show, including the shell," Johnston added.

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