Farnham Gold Brooch "found", "lost" then "stolen" - any updates since the 1992 events?

[rmcsandhurst]

In August 1992 metal detectorist Ian Fletcher found a gold brooch (later identified as Tudor and valued at £35,000) in Farnham Park (Surrey).

It was said to be similar to one worn by Henry VIII, on his hat, in a painting by Hans Holbein the Younger.

As it was not deemed to be Treasure Trove, the courts said Ian Fletcher could keep it under the “finders keepers” rule. Waverley Borough Council, as the parks freeholders, appealed, arguing that the brooch belonged to them.

They eventually won their case leaving Ian Fletcher without the brooch but with a legal bill of £35,000.

Their new acquisition was immediately displayed in Farnham Museum where it was admired by all, before being stolen!

Does anyone know if the brooch has been seen since then and what the outcome was as far as Ian Fletcher was concerned (I remember that his house was said to be on the line and that there was a certain amount of fund raising within the hobby).

Dave

[Iron Mask]

Haven't read anything about this but it really is bs that that could happen to him.

[Steve_T]

Must say i dont remember much about this story Dave ....

[PONK]

In August 1992 metal detectorist Ian Fletcher found a gold brooch (later identified as Tudor and valued at £35,000) in Farnham Park (Surrey).

It was said to be similar to one worn by Henry VIII, on his hat, in a painting by Hans Holbein the Younger.

As it was not deemed to be Treasure Trove, the courts said Ian Fletcher could keep it under the “finders keepers” rule. Waverley Borough Council, as the parks freeholders, appealed, arguing that the brooch belonged to them.

They eventually won their case leaving Ian Fletcher without the brooch but with a legal bill of £35,000.

Their new acquisition was immediately displayed in Farnham Museum where it was admired by all, before being stolen!

Does anyone know if the brooch has been seen since then and what the outcome was as far as Ian Fletcher was concerned (I remember that his house was said to be on the line and that there was a certain amount of fund raising within the hobby).

Dave

Hi Dave I have also been trying to find out what happened to it, I remember it cost the tax payer about £250,000 to take them back to court, but couldn't afford some security ? If I manage to find any info , will post it . ps.i am new to web site , I found your thread whilst looking for info , so joined the forum. I use to belong to Farnham and district m. d. club, so will ask some of the old members. now belong to Colchester.
regards Paul