Theft at Grimsthorpe Castle

The valuable contents of Grimsthorpe Castle have not escaped the notice of criminals in years past and despite intensive security precautions that are under constant review, thefts have occurred, notably over the weekend of 31st January/1st February 1981.

Their haul included antiques, clocks, silverware and paintings worth £100,000, which is £250,000 at today's values.

Lord Ancaster was away when the burglary took place under cover of darkness between Saturday night and the early hours of Sunday morning, although several members of the staff were in residence.

Police said that the culprits were a professional gang of thieves but were unable to say whether the raid was connected with several others that had occurred in South Lincolnshire during the previous two months.

Among the items stolen were ten oil paintings, specially commissioned pictures of horses belonging to the Grimsthorpe stud, and dating back to the late 18th century. The canvasses were cut from their frames by the thieves.

They also took an antique clock dated 1670 worth £30,000 and a brass crystal wall clock, a silver gilt " tree of life", 27 inches tall, and worth £10,000, and two silver sideboard dishes dating from 1761, worth £5,000. Other silver items included cutlery, taper holders and a cream jug.

WRITTEN APRIL 2003

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