Stolen artefacts taken in 1956 school trip returned to Glastonbury Abbey
The items which were taken are back after a journey around the world
Two fascinating artefacts, originally taken from Glastonbury Abbey during a school trip in 1956, have been returned after spending nearly 50 years in Australia.
A medieval floor tile and a kneecap believed to belong to an abbot were taken by George Box, who stumbled upon an archaeological excavation whilst visiting the historic site.
George, then a schoolboy, managed to discreetly pick up the pieces from an opened tomb, keeping them a secret for many years.
Migrating to Australia in the 1970s, George continued to treasure the items, placing them in a glass cabinet alongside fossils and other intriguing items that reflected his passion for archaeology.
Though he married for the second time in 2000, it wasn't until later in life that his wife learned about his clandestine collection.
Upon hearing the story, she felt it was only right to return them to Glastonbury Abbey, an idea George supported with the caveat that it should occur after his death.
In anticipation of this request, George crafted a box reminiscent of a medieval reliquary to house the artefacts during their journey back to the UK.
Organised by George’s widow, the return took place this summer, precisely on the anniversary of George’s passing, and signified the artefacts' homecoming to the abbey after a 70-year absence.
The rich history surrounding the origins of these items adds yet another chapter to the abbey's narrative, igniting curiosity among scholars and visitors alike.
Historical records reveal that in the summer of 1956, an archaeological dig in the north transept of the Abbey Church led to the opening of several abbots’ tombs, which lay near the remnants of tiled floors.
The kneecap, now repatriated, could possibly have belonged to Abbot Amesbury, Abbot Petherton, or Abbot John of Taunton, who were all interred in the 13th century in that particular area of the church.
Modern-day visitors to Glastonbury Abbey can now observe the kneecap and floor tile fragment in the abbey museum.
The artefacts are displayed with the narrative of their extraordinary journey, from Glastonbury to Australia and back, capturing the imaginations of all who encounter them.
The abbey staff expressed gratitude towards George’s widow for returning such intriguing pieces of the abbey's past.
These artefacts, which had once quietly travelled across continents, now resume their rightful place among the relics and treasured history of Glastonbury Abbey.