Detectives are hunting thieves who raided an English 16th Century National Trust manor house and plundered 25 rare antiques. The silver, pewter and brass items were taken from the picturesque, moat-surrounded Baddesley Clinton in Warwickshire, on 30th July.
Prized Georgian silver salver among stolen items
One prized swiped piece was a Georgian silver salver engraved with the coat of arms of the Ferrers, the family who resided at the house for five centuries. The engraved silver salver bore the mark of Dorothy Mills, one of just a handful of registered female silversmiths working in the 1700s, the National Trust revealed.
Other collection items taken include a silver stirrup cup, a brass alms dish and a pair of silver candelabra. The artefacts, which are a mix of silver, silver-plated, pewter and brass, help to tell the story of the Ferrers and their historic home.
Burglary discovered in early hours
The burglary was discovered at about 1.50am prompting the temporary closure of the house to the public. Now Warwickshire Police are appealing for anyone with information about the stolen items to get in touch.
Ann Ryan, National Trust Operations Manager for Baddesley Clinton, said: "This has been a very upsetting incident for our staff and volunteers, and we appreciate the support shared by visitors and members of the public.
"The collection items that have been taken are important to Baddesley, especially the Georgian silver salver, which is engraved with the Ferrers family’s arms.
"Given its distinctive markings this piece in particular may be identified if offered for sale."
Historic home with secret hiding places
Built in the late 1500s, Baddesley Clinton is the historic home of the Ferrers family, who lived at the property for more than 400 years. The property is known for its priest holes and secret hiding places, which were used to shelter persecuted Catholics during the 1590s. It’s visited by as many as 235,000 people every year and was sold to the National Trust in 1980.
Ms Ryan added: "We very much hope the objects will be returned, so they can be enjoyed by everyone and would urge anyone with information to contact Warwickshire Police.
"The National Trust takes these incidents very seriously and we continually review our security arrangements, working closely with our local police team."
