A RELIC from a long-lost Malvern historic building surfaced 50 years ago, according to the Malvern Gazette on March 21, 1952.

A piece of oak panelling from Malvern Priory's 14th Century Guesten Hall was handed back to the Priory by local councillor J K Clarke.

Mr Clarke, a keen historical researcher, discovered part of the hall's woodwork survived its demolition at the start of the 19th Century.

An account mentioned that the woodwork could be found at what was then the premises of water-bottlers W and J Burrow on Belle Vue Terrace (now Robson Ward Kitchens).

This turned out not to be the case, but when he was giving a talk at Upper Welland, he learned the missing timbers could be found on the Malvern Wells grocery shop of Mr J H Nurse.

Eventually the timber, which had been built into the shop's counter, was recovered, and cleaned by Mr Clarke and his mother at their North End Lane home.

The panel, 14 feet long and 33 inches high, was given to the Priory, where vicar R B Lunt said a suitable place would be found.