A thrilling tale of historical artifacts and TV show trivia unfolds! An antiques dealer's sharp eye and pop culture knowledge led to the recovery of two long-lost treasures.
In a fascinating twist, the dealer spotted the stolen altar plaques from Napoleon Bonaparte III's crypt while watching a 30-year-old episode of the classic British series, Lovejoy. These plaques, taken from a Hampshire monastery, were believed to be lost forever after a burglary in 2014.
But here's where it gets intriguing: Paul Gostelow, the Derbyshire-based dealer, recognized the plaques' distinctive motif—a ball and crown in the frame's corner. This detail, seen on the show, sparked his curiosity and led him to contact the police.
The Hampshire Constabulary confirmed the find with the International Stolen Arts Register. The plaques, dating back to the Napoleonic era, were returned to their rightful place at St Michael's Abbey in Farnborough, thanks to PC Mark Webb's swift action.
And this is the part most people miss: the plaques' journey began with Napoleon III's exile to England after his defeat in the Franco-Prussian War. His widow, Empress Eugenie, built the abbey as a final resting place for her husband and son, Napoleon, who perished in the Zulu War.
The story doesn't end there. The prayers found on Napoleon's body were engraved and mounted by Eugenie, forming the very prayer frames that were stolen. Now, French officials are calling for Napoleon III's remains to be repatriated, as he is the only French sovereign buried outside his homeland.
Could this discovery reignite a historical debate? Should the plaques, and Napoleon III's remains, stay in England, or be returned to France? Share your thoughts on this captivating historical mystery!
