Imagine picking up a dusty, forgotten stained glass window for the price of a couple of pizzas, only to discover it might just be a priceless relic linked to one of Scotland’s greatest kings. That’s exactly what happened to Richard Drummond, a 49-year-old antique dealer, who stumbled upon what could be a 700-year-old piece of national history in a charity shop in Moffat, Scotland.
A Bargain Buy with a Royal Connection
Richard simply couldn’t resist the allure of a colourful, neglected glass window he spotted for £20. Told it had been discovered in an old house and abandoned for years, he took it home, probably expecting little more than a conversation piece. But as any seasoned bargain hunter knows, it pays to look beneath the grime—sometimes quite literally.
- He began cleaning years of grease with bicarbonate of soda and vinegar.
- Underneath, a stunning stained glass surface emerged, depicting what might be a knight.
- A Latin inscription along the edges caught his eye. With a rough translation, it read: ‘Robert Bruce, King of the Scots.’
Richard’s detective work started in earnest. Delving into online resources and ringing up local and international experts, he investigated the piece’s age and origins. Initial findings have him convinced it dates back to the 14th century and might have once adorned a castle seized by Robert the Bruce himself. No small claim for something that cost less than a family night out!
The Significance of the Find—and a Brush with TV Fame
Not content with being the sole witness to this potential historical bombshell, Richard called in the local museum curator for a second opinion. The curator’s take? The window appeared to be hundreds of years old. Still, proper provenance matters, so the search for answers continues—preferably with a museum showcase at the finish line, if historical experts confirm its pedigree.
Richard’s excitement grew: “It could be priceless. If this is proven to be of that period, it’s a massive historical find for Scotland.” Cleaning away layers of time, he realised just how carefully crafted—or royally inscribed—this glass really was. Once he saw the phrase ‘Robert Rex Scotorum’, he knew things were about to get much more interesting.
For an added twist of modern fame, Richard and his son Alfie, along with the famed piece of glass, are set for an appearance on the BBC’s The Bidding Room. There, experts suggested the window could be up to 700 years old, only heightening the excitement.
From Grease to Glory: Investigating the Mystery
Richard admits he isn’t an expert, but plenty of antiques have crossed his path—enough to tell him when something “looks really old.” He examined the engravings, the painting style, and even theorised about the glass’s journey. He’s consulted experts who speculate it may have come from France via the Knights Templar, or that it once stood in a turret window of a castle taken by Robert the Bruce. The only thing they’re sure of: it was made for someone very, very special.
« Which castle that is, I have no idea, » Richard says, with a mix of humility and hope. He’s now on a mission to nail down the glass’s dating and pinpoint its exact origins. Among his (very reasonable) questions:
- Was it part of treasure that left France in 1307?
- Was it crafted in Scotland or England for Robert the Bruce?
- Was it made in memory of the king?
In Richard’s words: “It’s medieval art, it’s medieval Scottish history, and in my eyes, it’s just stunning. It’s huge and so well preserved—it’s been looked after.” For years, it was simply forgotten among old treasures in Moffat. Now, it might just be Scotland’s next great artefact.
What’s Next for the Stained Glass Mystery?
Richard’s hope is straightforward: test the glass, prove its Medieval Scottish origins, and maybe secure a date for this neglected masterpiece. If the experts confirm what the clues suggest, this stained glass could be worth far more than money—a priceless connection to the nation’s past.
So, next time you’re browsing the charity shop shelves, keep your eyes peeled. You might just brush the dust off a piece of history. But feel free to skip the bicarbonate of soda and vinegar—unless you’re ready for fame on BBC’s The Bidding Room!
With a discerning eye for exceptional craftsmanship and timeless beauty, Edward has dedicated his career to sourcing and curating fine antique furniture from across USA. His deep appreciation for historical design, from Georgian elegance to Art Deco sophistication, guides collectors and enthusiasts in discovering pieces that tell stories of bygone eras. Through his expertise and genuine passion, he helps preserve the artistry of master cabinetmakers while bringing distinguished character into contemporary homes.
