Rare tankard donated to museum

A prominent Windsorian has fulfilled a long-standing pledge to donate a rare glass tankard to the Windsor & Royal Borough Museum.

Dr David Murray-Bruce, chairman of the Windsor and Eton Society, pledged several years ago to present his rare Edward VIII glass tankard to the museum once there was a venue to display it in.

With the new museum premises in the Guildhall opening in spring 2011, Dr Murray-Bruce decided it was time to keep his promise. At the presentation at the museum store recently he said: "I am delighted that the museum project will soon be coming to fruition.

"I found the tankard on a stall in Dartmouth market some years ago. I was wondering whether to buy it and my wife persuaded me that I should as it is of historic interest. I am really glad I listened to her."

Cllr Simon Dudley, lead member for adult and community services, said: "We are very grateful indeed to Dr Murray-Bruce for this generous gift of a fine, limited edition glass tankard made to celebrate the coronation of King Edward VIII, which will enhance our museum collection."

Caroline McCutcheon, heritage development officer, said of the tankard: "It is especially unusual as of course Edward VIII was never crowned but abdicated, took the title the Duke of Windsor and lived in exile in Paris with his wife the Duchess of Windsor, formerly Mrs Wallis Simpson.

"As a result, this tankard represents a time of real drama in the life of the monarchy and the nation which older residents will always remember. The abdication changed the course of history and led eventually to Princess Elizabeth becoming our queen."

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