Mary Queen of Scots rosary stolen from Arundel Castle

image: Arundel Castle

Source: Sussex Police, Twitter

A rosary carried by Mary Queen of Scots at her execution in 1587 was among items worth more than £1m stolen in a raid on Arundel Castle in Sussex on Friday night. Other treasures taken during the raid include coronation cups given by the Sovereign to the Earl Marshal. Castle staff were alerted at 10.30pm after a burglar alarm sounded. Police were on the scene within minutes.

A spokesman for Arundel Castle Trustees said: "The stolen items have significant monetary value, but as unique artefacts of the Duke of Norfolk's collection have immeasurably greater and priceless historical importance. We therefore urge anyone with information to come forward to the police to assist them in returning these treasures back where they belong."

Professor Kate Williams of Reading University said: "When Mary fled Scotland into England most of her belongings were despoiled and shared out. Then after she was executed, nearly everything she had was taken and burned because people were concerned she would turn into a Catholic martyr. So we had one tiny memorial of Mary Queen of Scots - and now it has gone."

Det Con Molly O'Malley urged people who were in Arundel on Friday evening and saw any suspicious activity around the area of the castle to contact the force either online or by calling 101, quoting Operation Deuce.

"The castle only re-opened to visitors on Tuesday 18 May, so if you were visiting during the past few days do you on reflection recall anyone behaving at all suspiciously?" she said.

"If you are offered or hear of anyone offering for sale any of the items stolen, we would also like to hear from you. You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

Arundel Castle is the seat of the Duke of Norfolk. The current duke is Edward Fitzalan-Howard, 18th Duke of Norfolk. The family which is descended from Edward I, remained Catholic through the Reformation and Penal times.

LINKS

Arundel Castle - www.arundelcastle.org/

See images and more information about the rosary here: https://psalterstudies.wordpress.com/2009/01/11/queen-marys-rosary/