Crown dumped in skip is returned to king... 30 years on
A SCULPTURE of an ancient king has been reunited with his original crown almost 30 years after it was stolen.
The headpiece, which is more than 700 years old, went missing in 1993 when it was stolen from the west front of Exeter Cathedral.
Although a replacement was painstakingly carved, the original crown was discovered two years later in a skip 35 miles away in Great Torrington, Devon.
Thinking it might be of some interest, the finder took it to Exeter Museum where cathedral archeologist John Allan immediately recognised the piece.
He said: “With a dramatic asymmetrical pose, convoluted tubular-folded draperies and flowing locks, this king is a particularly splendid example of the rich and mannered style of sculpture characteristic of the mid-14th century works on the front.
Dramatic
“Exeter’s sculptures in this style are of national importance as examples of a particularly dramatic moment in the history of
English medieval figure sculpture.”
Now, 27 years after the adventure began, the approval of essential restoration work at the cathedral means that the crown has been finally restored to its rightful owner.
It was part of a group of king sculptures thought to have been created between 1342 and 1348.
Exeter Cathedral is now closed due to the coronavirus lockdown restrictions.
However, it is hoped that visitors and worshippers can be welcomed back from July 4, subject to advice from the Government and the Church of England.
The historic carving discovered in a skip by a passer-by in Devon in 1995
The sculpture of the 14th century king wearing his original crown, above; left, archeologist John Allan and Exeter Cathedral