Man who pocketed tiles from medieval priory as boy returns them 60 years later

"Simon White, now 68, recalled taking the tiles as a souvenir during a family visit to Wenlock Priory, encouraged by his father. He felt uneasy about the act but was delighted to rediscover them in a toffee tin during a house move."

"Matty Cambridge, assistant curator at English Heritage, confirmed that the tiles were likely from Wenlock Priory, as similar tiles were only known to exist at three locations in Shropshire, with Wenlock being the most probable source."

"One of the fragments featured a dragon motif, which was previously unknown at Wenlock Priory, adding historical significance to the return of the tiles."

Three decorative clay tile fragments from the late 13th to early 14th century were taken by Simon White during a family visit to Wenlock Priory in the 1960s. After rediscovering them in a toffee tin, White contacted English Heritage. The tiles, including one with a dragon motif, were confirmed to originate from Wenlock Priory. English Heritage expressed excitement over the return of the tiles, which survived numerous house moves and family changes before being handed back to the site’s custodians.

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