Medieval Tiles Returned to English Heritage After 60 Years
Similar Articles
National Museum Completes Digitization of Ancient Cuneiform Collection
Ancient DNA Reveals Plague and Population Shift in Neolithic French Tomb
Ancient Amphibian Fossil Discovered in Garden Wall Formally Identified
Largest Viking-Age Coin Hoard in Norwegian History Discovered by Metal Detectorists
Advanced Imaging Reveals Preserved Blood Vessels in a Tyrannosaurus Rex Fossil
A man has returned three 700-year-old Medieval floor tiles to English Heritage, nearly 60 years after taking them from Wenlock Priory as a child. The decorative clay tiles, one featuring a unique dragon design, have been confirmed as part of the priory's original floor. They will be kept at the historic site.
Facts First
- Three 13th–14th century Medieval floor tiles have been returned to English Heritage after nearly 60 years.
- The tiles were taken from Wenlock Priory in 1967 by a nine-year-old visitor and recently rediscovered in an attic.
- One tile features a unique dragon design for which no exact parallel has been found.
- English Heritage confirmed the tiles are authentic and part of the priory's original locally-made floor.
- The tiles will be kept at Wenlock Priory but may be moved for further analysis.
What Happened
Simon White, a 68-year-old retired surveyor, returned three Medieval floor tiles to English Heritage. He took the tiles from Wenlock Priory in Shropshire in 1967 when he was nine years old. The tiles, dating from the late 13th to early 14th century, were stored in a toffee tin in his attic for nearly 60 years before he rediscovered them three months ago. English Heritage confirmed the decorative clay tiles were part of the Medieval floor at Wenlock Priory.
Why this Matters to You
This story highlights how historical artifacts, even small ones, can provide unique insights into the past. The return of the tiles, especially the one with a unique dragon design, may help historians better understand the art and craftsmanship of Medieval Shropshire. For anyone who has visited a historic site, it underscores the importance of preserving artifacts in their proper context for future generations to study and appreciate.
What's Next
The returned tiles will be kept at Wenlock Priory. They may be moved to the English Heritage archaeology store for further analysis, which could reveal more about their specific origins and the significance of the dragon design.