An Australian tourist who stole a small stone from the ancient Welsh monastery of Cwmhir sent it back, claiming that the historical artifact had begun to bring him bad luck. According to the man, he senses that the ghost of the decapitated prince is haunting him, Metro reports.
The unnamed tourist wished to remain anonymous. He sent a letter to the address of the monastery, in which he enclosed a stone the size of an acorn that he had stolen. The Australian wrote that he loves history and decided to take a stone from a 12th century fortress as a keepsake.
“I am very ashamed, but I did it solely for the love of Welsh history. I return your stone to you. I shouldn't have misappropriated it,”said the Australian. The foreigner did not specify exactly what troubles the theft brought into his life.
Cwmhir Monastery was founded by the Welsh prince Cadwallon ap Madog in 1176. Three years later, Cadwallon was assassinated by Sir Roger Mortimer.
Later in the 13th century, the abbey was set on fire twice by English soldiers, and in 1231 the leadership of the monastery was fined 200 pounds for helping conspirators who wanted to overthrow the British king.
In 1282, the headless body of the Prince of Wales was buried on the territory of the monastery. Since then, the locals believe that his ghost is haunting the abbey grounds.
A glass-covered letter from an Australian tourist was displayed at the entrance to the monastery. Apparently, for the edification of other tourists who might be tempted to take a "pebble" as a keepsake.
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