A retired priest has been reunited with a prestigious award that was stolen from his home six years ago, thanks to the honesty and generosity of an antiques dealer.
According to the Salisbury Journal, Rev Canon Bruce Duncan, who was awarded the Cross of St Augustine for his outstanding service to the Anglican Communion, received the medal back on his 87th birthday after an antiques seller identified it as stolen and worked with the police to return it.
Canon Duncan and his wife were victims of a burglary in February 2019, during which two medals were stolen from their home on Harnham Road while they were on holiday.
One of the stolen awards was an MBE, granted to him in 1993 for his work with young people.
The other was the Cross of St Augustine, presented in 2004 by then-Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams.
The medal, which recognises exceptional contributions to the Anglican Church, bears the inscription: “From the Archbishop of Canterbury in Appreciation.”
While his MBE was replaced shortly after the burglary, Canon Duncan never expected to see his Cross of St Augustine again—until he was contacted by police, who informed him that a Lichfield-based antiques dealer, Adam Northwood, had found it.
Northwood, who goes by Silvercryer, had purchased a collection of mixed medals on eBay and noticed the Cross of St Augustine among them. Finding it unusual, he researched the medal and discovered a 2019 news article about the burglary.
Realising its significance, he contacted the police to ensure its safe return.
Canon Duncan expressed deep gratitude for the dealer’s actions. “I'm so grateful to Adam and the police. He could have just sold it on, but instead, he went out of his way to return it to me.
It was such a surprise—I never expected to see it again.”
Northwood explained that once he realised the medal was solid silver, he prioritised investigating its origins. “I looked into it and found an article about this and an MBE being stolen in 2019. It became clear it was Canon Duncan’s, so I contacted the police. Knowing it arrived on his birthday made it even more special.”
Canon Duncan reflected on the kindness of others, saying: “We often focus on negative news, but this just shows how generous and honest people can be.”
Throughout his career, Canon Duncan served as a chaplain, vicar, and charity leader, founding Children’s Relief International, which supported displaced children and families across Europe. He was also the first principal of Sarum College in Salisbury, transforming it into a respected international Christian institution.
At the time of his Cross of St Augustine award, the Archbishop of Canterbury’s office praised his leadership, stating: “Under his inspired leadership, Sarum has become a successful Christian college, educating and nurturing all who seek renewal in faith, unity, and service.”