Stolen Cambridge University Plate Returned After 115 Years
- A decorative plate,taken from Gonville & Caius College,University of Cambridge,over a century ago,has been returned to its rightful home.
- The plate, adorned with a depiction of Caius Court on its front and the college's imprint on its back, was reportedly taken by Gordon Stewart Wimbush, a student...
- The plate's recent return was described by college archivist James Cox as "a fabulous story." The details of its travels for the past 116 years are still emerging,...
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Centennial Return: Caius College Plate Recovered After a Century
Table of Contents
A decorative plate,taken from Gonville & Caius College,University of Cambridge,over a century ago,has been returned to its rightful home. The plate’s journey, spanning generations, highlights a long-standing, if mischievous, tradition among Cambridge students.
The Plate’s History and Disappearance
The plate, adorned with a depiction of Caius Court on its front and the college’s imprint on its back, was reportedly taken by Gordon Stewart Wimbush, a student at Gonville & Caius College, in 1908. According to Caius College,while students occasionally take small items as souvenirs,Wimbush’s act has a especially noteworthy history.
The plate’s recent return was described by college archivist James Cox as “a fabulous story.” The details of its travels for the past 116 years are still emerging, but its reappearance marks a significant moment for the college.
Gordon stewart Wimbush: The Student Behind the Souvenir
Gordon Stewart Wimbush joined Gonville & caius College in 1908. Further details about his life and motivations for taking the plate are currently being researched by the college archives. It is unknown if Wimbush intended for the plate to be returned at some point, or if it simply remained in private hands until recently.
The Tradition of “Pinching” College Silver
The incident highlights a long-held, albeit unofficial, tradition at manny Oxford and Cambridge colleges: students discreetly taking small items – cutlery, crockery, or even napkins – as mementos of their time at university. While generally viewed as a harmless prank,the practice is not officially sanctioned and can lead to disciplinary action if discovered.
This tradition likely stems from a sense of belonging and a desire to preserve a tangible connection to the collegiate experience. however, the return of the Caius plate demonstrates that even seemingly minor acts of “pinching” can have a lasting impact and a surprising resolution after many years.
The Plate’s Return and Current Status
The plate was recently returned to Gonville & Caius College. The college has not yet announced plans for the plate’s display or future use, but it is expected to become a cherished part of the college’s collection. The college archives are continuing to investigate the plate’s history and the circumstances surrounding its disappearance and return.