An incredible story of chance and historical preservation has unfolded, leaving us with a fascinating tale and a renewed appreciation for the power of television! The recovery of stolen artifacts is always a cause for celebration, but this case is truly unique.
Two of the three invaluable altar plaques, stolen from the crypt of Napoleon Bonaparte III in Hampshire, have been recovered thanks to an antiques dealer's sharp eye and a 30-year-old episode of the beloved BBC series, Lovejoy.
The story begins in February 2014 when these 19th-century wooden prayer frames, each containing handwritten prayers from Napoleon III himself, were stolen during a burglary at St. Michael's Abbey in Farnborough. Fast forward to February 2024, and a call from Derbyshire-based dealer Paul Gostelow to Hampshire Constabulary changes everything.
Mr. Gostelow, an antiques enthusiast, recognized the Napoleonic-era ball and crown motif on the frames, a detail he remembered from an episode of Lovejoy featuring the charismatic antiques dealer, Ian McShane. This chance connection led to the recovery of two of the stolen plaques, with the third still missing.
But here's where it gets controversial: Napoleon III, the nephew of the legendary Napoleon Bonaparte, chose to be buried in England after his exile in 1871. In 2023, Roger Karoutchi, deputy speaker of the French senate, called for his remains to be returned to France, stating that he was the only sovereign buried abroad. This raises questions about the preservation of historical artifacts and the respect for the wishes of the deceased.
And this is the part most people miss: the story of Napoleon III's exile and the creation of St. Michael's Abbey is a fascinating chapter in British-French relations. In 1880, his widow, Empress Eugenie, bought a house in Farnborough and established the abbey as a monastery, creating a lasting memorial to her husband and son. The prayer frames, made from handwritten prayers found on the battlefield, add a personal touch to this already emotional narrative.
The recovery of these plaques is a testament to the dedication of heritage crime specialists like Pc Mark Webb and the power of international cooperation. With ongoing investigations, there's hope that the third plaque will be found, completing this historical puzzle.
So, what do you think? Should the remains of Napoleon III remain in England, or should they be returned to France? The comments are open for a friendly debate!
