Simon White, now 68, returned three fragments of medieval clay tiles he took as a nine-year-old from Wenlock Priory in Shropshire during a family outing in the late 1960s. The tiles, dating from the late 13th to early 14th century, were discovered in an old toffee tin during a house move. White contacted English Heritage, which confirmed the provenance using family diaries and historical analysis. One fragment features a previously unknown dragon motif, exciting medievalists.
The return matters because it highlights the ethical responsibility of preserving cultural heritage, even decades after an artifact is taken. English Heritage welcomed the restitution and hopes it encourages others to return stolen historical items. The tiles will be stored for further analysis rather than reinstalled, contributing to archaeological knowledge about medieval tile designs at Wenlock Priory.