Gold and silver treasures totaling over £ 1million were stolen in a raid on Arundel Castle in West Sussex.
Among the pieces of “great historical significance” taken on Friday night was a set of “irreplaceable” gold rosaries worn by Mary Queen of Scots to her execution in 1587.
Several crowning cups were also torn by the sovereign from the then count marshal.
Police said: “The Rosary has little intrinsic value as a metal, but as a piece of Howard family history and the nation’s heritage, it is irreplaceable.
“The items were forcibly taken to a display case along the public road.”
A 4×4 sedan that could be connected to the raid was found set on fire and abandoned in nearby Barlavington.
The heist at West Sussex Castle took place on Friday evening
A Sussex Police spokesperson said: ‘At 10:30 p.m. on Friday, May 21, castle staff were alerted to a break-in after a burglar alarm sounded.
“Police arrived at the scene within minutes. Various items were stolen of great historical significance.”
A spokesperson for the Arundel Castle Trustees said: “The stolen items have significant monetary value, but as unique artefacts in the Duke of Norfolk’s collection, they are of immeasurably greater and invaluable historical significance.
“We therefore urge anyone with information to report to the police to help them return these treasures to where they belong.”
The treasures were stolen from a shop window
Detective Constable Molly O’Malley of Chichester CID said: ‘If you were in Arundel on Friday night and saw suspicious activity around the castle, please contact us online or by calling 101, citing the operation. Deuce.
“Also, the castle only reopened to visitors on Tuesday, May 18, so if you were visiting in the last few days you will remember that on second thought …
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Source: news.sky.com
This notice was published: 2021-05-23 21:00:00
