The Churches Conservation Trust has reported on the loss of a rare and historic stained glass panel from Withcote Chapel, dating from 1530.
Churches Conservation Trust (CCT) writes:
The theft of the precious stained glass panel was reported to The Churches Conservation Trust in the early morning of the 31st July by a member of the local community. The Trust believes the theft took place between the 24th and 30th July and is appealing to the public to help find and recover the panel.
The irreplaceable panel measures approximately 37cm high by 20cm wide. It depicts the prophet Ezekiel with flowing red locks, a blue halo and wearing white, black and red robes. The panel dates from the 1530s and is part of a series of windows in the chapel that were likely commissioned at the time the chapel was built.
The historically important chapel has been part of the Leicestershire landscape for 500 years. It is much loved by the local community, regularly visited by walking groups and history lovers and has a well-attended annual service. The unique building has links to the Tudor Court as the stained glass was donated by Roger Ratcliffe, Gentleman to the Bedchamber of Catherine of Aragon, and the interior contains the coats of arms of Jane Seymour, third wife of Henry VIII.
The stained glass panel is attributed to Galeon Hone, glazier to King Henry VIII. The removal of this historic artefact has destroyed the integrity of the glass scheme designed specifically for this building.
Peter Aiers, Regional Director at The Churches Conservation Trust, said: ‘The Trust is devastated by the theft of a stunning and irreplaceable panel of Tudor stained glass from Withcote Chapel. The chapel is an important public building and a repository of history and art, and this is essentially a theft of public property. This crime will be very much felt by the local community and marks a significant loss of our shared heritage. We will now do everything possible, working with Leicestershire Police and the local community, to recover this historic item.’
Should you have any information regarding the missing panel please contact Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or call 101, quoting crime reference number 16000 219189.
