[MR] BBC: Scottish Tussle Over Medieval Comb

[Garth Groff and Sally Sanford]

Noble Friends,

A food fight of sorts has erupted in Scotland over who gets custody of a
700 year-old comb.

Known as the "Jedburg Comb", the elaborately carved item was found 40 years
ago during a 1984 excavation at the ruined Jedburg Abbey in the Scottish
borders region. It was discovered in a grave and thought to have belonged
to a bishop or other high churchman. The object was carved from walrus
ivory and features a bas relief of St. George slaying the infamous dragon.

The comb is officially owned by the National Museums of Scotland. It was
loaned to Jedburg's museum, managed by Historic Environment Scotland, until
returned to the National Museums in 2022 for conservation work. Now Jedburg
wants it back, as it was one of the most important objects displayed in
their local museum. For the moment, at least, the National Museums are
holding onto the precious object. Thus the tussle between Scotland's two
most important historic preservation authorities.

The whole story, with a photo of the comb, is at
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckmgzd363j7o .

More about Jedburg Abbey is at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jedburgh_Abbey
 .

Yours Aye,


Mungo Napier, Laird of Mallard Lodge  🦆
Continuing a crusade to keep Merry Rose relevant and in business.