A remarkable piece of London's wartime heritage left Antiques Roadshow experts and host Fiona Bruce utterly astonished during a recent episode, unveiling a story of incredible bravery that protected one of Britain's most iconic landmarks.
The emotional segment featured the descendants of Frank Easton, the fearless firewatcher credited with saving St Paul's Cathedral from complete destruction during the devastating Blitz of World War II. They brought forth his meticulously preserved uniform and equipment, transporting viewers back to London's darkest hours.
The Night St Paul's Was Saved
On that fateful night in 1940, Frank Easton stood guard atop the cathedral's magnificent dome as German incendiary bombs rained down upon the city. While most of London slept in shelters, Easton and his team performed nothing short of a miracle.
"He was up there for 17 hours straight," recounted his emotional family members to Fiona Bruce. "The incendiaries were falling all around, but they managed to put them out and save the cathedral. It was absolutely pivotal."
A Priceless Valuation
Expert Robert Murphy examined the historic artefacts with palpable reverence. The collection included Easton's complete uniform, his official firewatcher's armband, and various tools used during that terrifying night.
After careful consideration, Murphy delivered his stunning valuation: £10,000-15,000. However, he was quick to emphasise that its true worth as a piece of national history is "immeasurable."
Beyond Monetary Value
The family confirmed they would never part with these treasures, highlighting their significance as a testament to one man's extraordinary courage during Britain's finest hour.
This extraordinary Antiques Roadshow moment serves as a powerful reminder of the incredible sacrifices made by ordinary people during WWII, preserving not just a building, but a symbol of hope and resilience for the entire nation.
