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Scene of the Crime"Between
Christmas and New Year in 1992, St Donats Church was the scene of a crime which
caught the imagination of the media and was even reported in the National
Press. Three oil paintings, done on board, dating
from about 1590 and depicting members of the Stradling family from St Donats
and their history, were stolen from the Church. A fire was also started which
was later proved to have been an attempt to destroy any
evidence. Many people in the Benefice will remember all
this but also how, within three weeks, the paintings were recovered, hidden in a
mattress. The thieves were arrested and the paintings taken to the National
Museum in Cardiff where they are to this day. St Donats Church Council has been asking for copies of the paintings and at last we have excellent, original size, coloured photographs to display in the church! Jenny and Guy Williams, who are antique dealers and interior decorators, assisted by Jenny's husband, Eric, have donated some beautiful frames. The pictures now hang in the Chancel where they provide yet another interesting feature of our lovely Grade 1 ancient church. We must emphasis that these are only photographs, not originals, but they are, nevertheless, well worth a visit " The text below each painting has been transcribed - spelling, grammar and punctuation have been left intact - and can be seen here: Painting 1: Painting 2: Painting 3: The fact that the paintings have been restored to the chancel in St Donats, albeit in another form, is absolutely fitting when you consider the texts.
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Copyright (c) 2004 Rectorial Benefice
of Llantwit Major. All rights reserved. |