Abstract: A brush seal has bristles with a free end sealing against a radially inward surface of a stationary component. The bristles are angled axially 15 degrees to 70 degrees, and circumferentially at an angle that is less than the axial angle. A retaining plate extends radially outward from the rotating component, and supports the bristles from centrifugal loading in an operative state of a turbomachine. A bristle shield extends radially outward along a length of the bristles, such that the bristle shield is configured to shield the bristles from flow during an operative state of the turbomachine. The bristles are located between the retaining plate and the bristle shield. A circumferential groove has a downstream side and an upstream side, and a side plate is attached to the upstream side. The fixed end of the bristles is attached to the upstream side of the groove by the side plate.