IT MIGHT not be as old as the Bayeaux Tapestry but this 83-year-old work nevertheless caused a stir when it was returned to the school where it was made.
The crest was woven by former Brentwood School pupil Harold Holmes in 1930.
Mr Holmes's nephew, John Holmes, from Bristol, had been hanging the work in his hallway for years.
The tapestry celebrates Brentwood School and its founder Sir Antony Browne, the Lord Chief Justice, who acquired the land on which it was built in 1557.
The Latin word "incipe", meaning "to begin", appears on the textile. The word was added to the school motto "Virtue, Learning and Manners and Incipe" in the 19th century.
Headmaster Ian Davies said the tapestry's return came out of the blue.
He said: "I am so impressed that Mr Holmes took the time and effort to drive from Bristol to return the beautiful tapestry to Brentwood.
"It is a most unusual and very carefully constructed work of art which will be displayed proudly after it has been cleaned and re-framed"
The donation will soon be homed in the archive room in the new resource centre currently under construction.
Now the school is on the look-out for more historical items to add to its current collection.
Top of the wish-list is the Allden Cup.
The silver trophy was donated by Tom Allden in 1983 to be awarded to for "the most meritorious result on the track by a senior boy".
Alumni officer Lucy Rowe told the Gazette: "It's an ongoing search for lost memorabilia and we're hoping to be able to put these fantastic items on display."
If you can help Brentwood School's search call 01277 243243 or send an e-mail to headmaster@brentwood.essex.sch.uk
