In a remarkable twist of fate, two priceless altar plaques, stolen from the crypt of Napoleon Bonaparte III, have been recovered after an antiques dealer recognised them from a beloved television series. The long-lost artefacts were taken during a burglary at St Michael’s Abbey in Hampshire back in February 2014. Their rediscovery not only highlights the enduring connection between history and popular culture but also the importance of vigilance in preserving our heritage.
A Surprising Discovery
The recovery of these significant pieces of history began with Paul Gostelow, an antiques dealer based in Derbyshire. While watching a rerun of the classic BBC comedy-drama *Lovejoy*, which stars Ian McShane as a charming antiques dealer, Gostelow spotted a familiar motif. He recognised it as belonging to the same era as the plaques he had come across in his shop, which sparked his curiosity and prompted him to contact Hampshire Constabulary.
A spokesperson for the police relayed the serendipitous nature of the discovery. “In February 2014, the Crypt of Napoleon Bonaparte III was burgled, and three unique and historically significant altar plaques were taken,” they said. “After 12 years of being presumed lost, Paul reached out to us on February 10 this year, informing us that he had two of the stolen plaques.” His keen eye for detail and knowledge of antiquities led to the eventual recovery of these artefacts, which had been missing for over a decade.
The Journey Home
Following Gostelow’s tip-off, officers from Hampshire Constabulary’s Country Watch Rural Crime Task Force, led by heritage crime specialist Pc Mark Webb, sprang into action. They conducted a thorough investigation using the International Stolen Arts Register to verify the authenticity of the plaques. Their efforts culminated in a visit to Derbyshire, where they successfully retrieved the items.
Pc Webb then returned the plaques to their rightful home at St Michael’s Abbey, where they will undergo restoration before being placed back in the crypt. This joyful reunion not only marks an important moment for the monastery but also for historical preservation efforts in the UK.
A Legacy Remembered
The story of Napoleon III is a poignant one. The nephew of the famed Napoleon Bonaparte, he fled to England in 1871 after being captured during the Franco-Prussian War. After his death in 1873, his widow, Empress Eugenie, commissioned St Michael’s Abbey to serve as a mausoleum for her husband and their son, who died in the Zulu War in 1879. The stolen plaques, which once held engraved prayers found in her son’s wallet, are steeped in personal and national history, making their recovery all the more significant.
As the search continues for the third plaque that remains missing, the legacy of Napoleon III and the historical treasures associated with him are once again brought to the forefront of public consciousness.
Why it Matters
The recovery of these altar plaques serves as a reminder of the intricate connections between our past and present. It underscores the importance of preserving historical artefacts and the role that popular culture plays in fostering awareness and appreciation of our heritage. As we uncover lost pieces of history, we not only honour the memories of those who came before us but also inspire future generations to cherish and protect their cultural legacies.
