Cover The rosary beads and bible belonging to Mary Queen of Scots on display at Arundel Castle. Photo By RDImages/Epics/Getty Images
The rosary beads and bible belonging to Mary Queen of Scots on display at Arundel Castle. Photo By RDImages/Epics/Getty Images
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The gold rosary beads that were stolen were priceless and irreplaceable
Rosary beads that were held by Mary Queen of Scots during her execution in 1587 were among over £1 million worth of items that were stolen in a raid on Arundel Castle last week.
Other items that were grabbed from West Sussex castle included coronation cups that were given by Mary to the Earl Marshal and other silver and gold items of great historical significance. The raid comes just four days after the venue reopened to the public. The castle was closed as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
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The pieces that were stolen from the castle, according to an Arundel Castle spokesman, were of "priceless historical importance".
Staff were alerted to the break-in on Friday last week after an alarm went off. The thieves reportedly entered through a window and smashed glass cabinets to grab some of the items.
While the rosary does not have much worth as a metal, it is still irreplaceable because, after Mary's death, many of her items were burned. What remained was what was used to create the small memorial for her.
The spokesperson continued by saying: "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."
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Above A Catholic, Mary was executed by order of Elizabeth I. Photo: The Print Collector/Print Collector/Getty Images
A Catholic, Mary was executed by order of Elizabeth I. Photo: The Print Collector/Print Collector/Getty Images
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Mary, who was born in 1542, became the queen when she was only six days old. However, she was taken to France in 1548 and Scotland was ruled by regents.
In 1561, Mary returned and began her reign as Queen of Scots. However, her six-year rule was rocky and she was forced to abdicate at the age of 24.
After unsuccessfully attempting to regain her throne, she was held captive for 18 years before being executed at Fotheringhay Castle in 1587.
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Camillia Dass is the digital writer for Tatler Singapore.
