Heirlooms worth £700,000 stolen from Goodwood House
- Published
An emerald and diamond ring given as a gift by Charles II to his mistress
Heirlooms worth £700,000, including a diamond tiara and a ring given by Charles II to his mistress, have been stolen from a West Sussex stately home.
More than 40 diamond, sapphire and emerald items were stolen during a break-in at Goodwood House, external, near Chichester, on Wednesday.
Sussex Police said many of the heirlooms belonging to Lord and Lady March were irreplaceable.
A 26-year-old man from Hampshire has been arrested and is in custody.
Jewellery stolen from Goodwood House
1820 diamond tiara worth £400,000
Diamond necklace from the first half of the 19th Century worth £200,000
Emerald and diamond ring engraved with Duchess's coronet and monogram CL for Louise de Keroualle, Duchess of Portsmouth, the mistress of Charles II
Antique Rolex and Girard Perregaux watches
"The theft of these beautiful and treasured items have left the victims Lord and Lady March devastated," said Det Insp Till Sanderson.
"We are doing all we can try to trace the stolen treasures - liaising with auction houses, stately homes, dealers and those with specialist knowledge.
"Forensic teams are working with detectives to investigate the circumstances."
Goodwood House
The house and estate have been in Lord March's family for more than 300 years
Goodwood was bought in 1697 by the 1st Duke of Richmond, the son of Charles II by Louise de Keroualle
The estate is home to horse racing, motor racing, golf and an aerodrome
Officers have appealed to anyone who can help trace the stolen items to come forward.
The also want to speak to anyone who saw any suspicious activity before 07:00 GMT on Wednesday or in the previous days.
A diamond tiara worth £400,000 was among 40 heirlooms stolen from Goodwood House