Panel returned to Flamstead church 30 years after theft

The historic item went missing from St Leonard’s church in 1996 and has been recovered thanks a member of the Heraldry Society in Australia.

The artefact may be worth up to £3,000 now. (Image: Submitted)

The painted panel commemorates George Cordell, who served in the royal households of three monarchs.

For the last three decades there has been an empty space where his coat of arms and memorial used to hang.

This year, the vicar of St Leonard’s, Reverend Jo Burke, suddenly received an email from Richard d’Apice in Australia asking about the panel.

The Heraldry Society member said he had spotted it for sale at an auction in the south of England and felt it must be stolen as it may have originated in a church.

Due diligence was carried out, the church records were scrutinised and a photograph was soon found in the archive proving its origin. The art loss register had also been notified at the time of the theft and confirmed its identity.

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The panel has returned to St Leonard's Church. (Image: Submitted)

The auctioneers were contacted and they recognised that the item had been stolen and should be returned to its rightful home.

It was originally valued at £1,200 and is currently thought to be worth nearly £3,000.

Now the panel has been returned to Flamstead, the final resting place of George Cordell Esquire who served in the royal households of Queen Elizabeth I, King James I and King Charles I across 60 years.

As the memorial records, his position in the Royal Court was Sergeant of the Ewry. This meant he was responsible for providing and caring for table linen, napkins and other items for the royal table and ensuring all aspects of the table setting was correctly prepared according to royal protocols.

George Cordell's wife Dorothy was also buried in St Leonard’s - they were married for more than 57 years.

Hertfordshire Constabulary has been contacted for further information.