Did a TV Show Clue Lead to the Recovery of Stolen Napoleonic Plaques?

Two of the three stolen altar plaques from the crypt of Napoleon Bonaparte III have been recovered after 12 years, thanks to a tip-off from Derbyshire antiques dealer Paul Gostelow. The plaques were taken during a burglary at St Michael's Abbey in Farnborough, Hampshire, in February 2014. Their return marks a significant moment in the ongoing efforts to recover historically important artefacts.

Last updated: 11 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

After years of uncertainty, two of the three "priceless" altar plaques stolen from St Michael's Abbey have been identified and recovered. The plaques are significant artefacts associated with Napoleon Bonaparte III, the last Emperor of France. The recovery was made possible following a call from Paul Gostelow, an antiques dealer who recognised the artefacts from a television show in the 1990s. The Hampshire police confirmed their authenticity after a thorough investigation involving the International Stolen Arts Register.

Key takeaways

Two of the three stolen plaques have been recovered after 12 years.
The plaques were taken from St Michael's Abbey in Farnborough in February 2014.
Paul Gostelow identified the plaques and reported them to the police.
The plaques are currently being restored before returning to the crypt.
Efforts are ongoing to locate the third missing plaque.

Timeline: how we got here

The journey to recover the plaques started with the burglary at St Michael's Abbey in February 2014. The timeline of key events is as follows:

February 2014: The crypt at St Michael's Abbey is burgled, and three altar plaques are stolen.
October 2023: Paul Gostelow contacts the Hampshire police, recognising the plaques from a 1990s TV show.
October 2023: Hampshire police confirm the plaques' authenticity and recover them from Gostelow.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The significant new development this week is the recovery of two of the three altar plaques. This recovery comes after years of speculation about their fate, with the police announcing their return to St Michael's Abbey for restoration.

What was already established

It was previously known that the plaques were stolen during a burglary at the abbey, but their whereabouts remained a mystery for over a decade. The involvement of the International Stolen Arts Register has been crucial in verifying their authenticity and facilitating their recovery.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The recovery of these plaques is significant not only for historical preservation but also for the local community and visitors to St Michael's Abbey. The return of such artefacts can attract tourism and interest in the area, potentially benefiting local businesses.

Businesses and jobs

The antiques trade can be impacted by high-profile recoveries like this one. It reinforces the importance of provenance and ethical trading within the sector. Dealers may find increased scrutiny but also renewed interest in Napoleonic artefacts.

Policy and regulation

This case highlights the ongoing challenges related to heritage crime in the UK. Authorities may look to strengthen regulations surrounding the sale of stolen artefacts and enhance collaborative efforts with international bodies to prevent further losses.

Numbers that matter

3: The total number of plaques stolen from St Michael's Abbey.
12: The number of years the plaques were missing before their recovery.
1: The number of plaques still missing following the recovery.

Definitions and jargon buster

Heritage crime: Criminal acts that harm or threaten heritage assets, including theft of artefacts.
Provenance: The history of ownership of a valued object, crucial for establishing authenticity.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, the focus will be on the restoration of the recovered plaques and further investigations to locate the missing one. The Abbey may also enhance security measures to prevent future thefts.

Medium term (1–6 months)

In the coming months, the impact of this recovery on local tourism and interest in St Michael's Abbey will be evaluated. The authorities may also initiate discussions on improving legislation surrounding heritage crime.

Signals to watch

Updates on the restoration progress of the recovered plaques.
News regarding the continued search for the third missing plaque.
Potential changes in heritage crime legislation or practices in the antiques sector.

Practical guidance

Do

Report any suspicious antique sales to local authorities.
Keep records of provenance for valuable items.

Don’t

Purchase antiques without verifying their authenticity.
Ignore the importance of protecting cultural heritage.

Checklist

Verify the provenance of any antique items you buy.
Stay informed about local heritage crime initiatives.
Engage with community efforts to protect cultural heritage.
Attend local talks or exhibitions about historical artefacts.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the recovery of the plaques is a positive development, uncertainties remain regarding the fate of the third plaque. The ongoing investigation may reveal more about how the artefacts were stolen and the broader implications for heritage crime in the UK. It is essential to approach this case with caution, as further discoveries may emerge.

Bottom line

The recovery of the two altar plaques is a significant milestone in addressing heritage crime in the UK. It underscores the importance of vigilance among antique dealers and the public in preserving cultural history. As efforts continue to locate the final plaque, this case serves as a reminder of the value of historical artefacts and the need for their protection.

FAQs

What happened to the stolen plaques?

Two of the three stolen plaques from the crypt of Napoleon Bonaparte III have been recovered after 12 years. They were reported by an antiques dealer who recognised them from a TV show.

Why are the plaques significant?

The plaques are considered "priceless" artefacts related to Napoleon Bonaparte III, making their recovery important for historical preservation.

What is being done to find the third plaque?

Efforts are ongoing by Hampshire police to locate the third missing plaque, with investigations continuing into its fate.