Historic Objects Stolen from National Trust Property

Highly valued historic objects were stolen from a 16th-century National Trust estate. Police reported that items, including a silver dining room table centrepiece, a pair of French Empire candelabra, and several porcelain pieces, were taken from Montacute House, located near Yeovil, Somerset, on October 22, around 23:00 GMT. Keri Phillips, representing the National Trust, commented: “This has been a very upsetting incident for our staff and volunteers.” Dave Pepper, an investigating officer with Avon and Somerset Police, indicated that access to the property was gained through forced entry. He also stated: “The stolen items are historic and we are keen to help reunite the National Trust with them.” Ms Phillips further stated: “The items stolen were a treasured part of the collection, in particular the epergne which is of exceptional significance having been commissioned by Edward Phelips, one of the owners of Montacute House, in the 18th Century. The National Trust takes such incidents extremely seriously and continually reviews security arrangements at our sites, working closely with local police forces.” Law enforcement officials confirmed that officers had examined CCTV footage and interviewed individuals residing near the estate. They also urged anyone with details concerning the stolen objects to come forward. Information from the National Trust’s website states that Montacute House’s construction was finalized in 1601. Edward Phelips, a former proprietor, played a significant role in the prosecution of Guy Fawkes and his co-conspirators in the gunpowder plot. The Elizabethan mansion has appeared in numerous film and television adaptations of novels, including Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility and Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall.