'Ireland's stolen crown jewels would be priceless if they were ever recovered'
The disappearance of the jewels, which sparked a scandal more than a century ago, is examined in a new RTÉ documentary, titled Legacy.
In the series, historian and Dublin Castle buildings curator William Derham revisits the mystery of the jewels' theft in 1907, just days before a royal visit, and the intrigue surrounding one of Ireland's most enduring historical whodunnits. Ireland's missing crown jewels would be 'priceless' if ever recovered, according to a leading historian.
'They were kept here at Dublin Castle, and they were discovered missing then in July 1907, just two days before Edward VII was due to arrive in Dublin and actually wear the jewels during an installation ceremony for the Knights of St Patrick,' Mr Derham said.
He continued: 'The Irish Crown Jewels are a bit of a misnomer.
'They suggest a crown, orb and a sceptre like you would have in the Tower of London.
'They were, in effect, the regalia of the Order of St Patrick that happened to be the property of the crown, hence the name 'crown jewels'.'
The final episode of Legacy, which airs next Sunday, highlights four sites where portraits have helped preserve Irish history, including Glebe House and Gallery in Donegal, Kilkenny Castle, Áras an Uachtaráin and Dublin Castle. The disappearance of the jewels, which sparked a scandal more than a century ago, is examined in a new RTÉ documentary, titled Legacy.
In the programme on Dublin Castle, Mr Derham explains how each Viceroy of Ireland was entitled to wear the crown jewel regalia, which included three ornate pieces.
He said: 'There was a large eight-pointed diamond, ruby and emerald star that was worn kind of on the breast. There was a smaller oval diamond with a small diamond-crowned harp on top of it, which was hung around the neck.
'And then there was a larger golden oval with the insignia of St Patrick in the middle that hung on a large gold chain, kind of from shoulder to shoulder.'
When the jewels vanished, the scandal made international headlines and led to the resignation of the man in charge of them.
'It was a huge scandal at the time. Someone did resign, rather reluctantly – a gentleman called Arthur Vicars who was the Ulster King of Arms, who also had charge of the ceremonial life of the viceregal court and of the crown jewels,' said Mr Derham.
'And when he moved to a new office in 1907, his safe wouldn't fit into the new, purposely built strongroom, and so it was left, with his agreement, in the library of his new office – and it was from the safe in that library that they were discovered missing. He was ultimately made the fall guy.'
Mr Derham believes the jewels are worth an immeasurable sum if they have been kept intact.
He said: ''Priceless', I think, is probably the only word you could hit on that would be accurate. And the jewels are still out there.'
Legacy – The Art of the Portrait is on RTÉ One at 6.30 pm, June 1.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Extra.ie
an hour ago
- Extra.ie
New York, New York! Bold Irish-American musical heads Stateside
An original and bold Irish musical is making its way stateside to tell the story of a young Irish-American man chasing stardom in 1950s New York. Most Peculiar Dreams brings audiences into a world of ambition, fame and betrayal with an unflinching look at the darker side of the entertainment industry. Following a successful run in venues across Ireland, writer and composer Fergus Foran and his team are heading to New York. An original and bold Irish musical is making its way stateside to tell the story of a young Irish-American man chasing stardom in 1950s New York. Pic: Youtube Most Peculiar Dreams tells the story of young Irish-American man Shawn Donnelly Jr who is chasing stardom in 1950s New York, with his journey leading him to a seedy nightclub run by Bobby Collier. Here, Shawn becomes involved with the club's star performer Henritetta Harmon, and so grapples with power, manipulation and identity. Writer/composer Fergus Foran explained that they had set out to 'create a show that felt familiar… until it didn't.' He said: 'Most Peculiar Dreams walks you into a world where you think that you now and then pulls the rug out from under you.' One of the most compelling aspects of the musical is the music, which wasn't written merely to accompany the plot, but is actually an essential part of telling the story. Rousing ensemble numbers feature in the piece along with emotionally charged ballads, all of which shift seamlessly between various styles, adding emotional weight to the narrative. To date, the musical boasts 1 million soundtrack steams along with more than 185,000 video views — a testament to the show's powerful reach, which has extended beyond the borders of Ireland. Pic: Youtube/ Double F Music Productions Foran said: 'These aren't just filler songs between scenes; the music is the story. We wrote numbers that entertain but also challenge, disarm, and hit emotionally when it counts.' To date, the musical boasts 1 million soundtrack steams along with more than 185,000 video views — a testament to the show's powerful reach, which has extended beyond the borders of Ireland. Most Peculiar Dreams was created over the course of six years along with more than 50 creatives and no external funding. Foran added that it was a show 'built step by step.' For more information about the upcoming USA tour, or to get involved with the show, visit the official website, or keep up to date on social media.
Irish Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Meet the 3 Love is Blind Irish stars including a fortune teller's future bride
Love Is Blind UK is back for season two - and this time, three singletons from Ireland are stepping into the pods to find love without laying eyes on their potential partners. The hit Netflix dating experiment, hosted once again by Emma and Matt Willis, sees 30 hopeful romantics from across the UK and Ireland attempting to meet "The One" and even get engaged - all before that first in-person glance. But when the walls come down, will it be instant chemistry or awkward reality? This season's Irish contenders are bringing plenty of charm - and a few intriguing backstories - to the mix. Christine, 35, from Limerick, is an HR Operations Lead. Christine has had her fair share of heartbreak and admits that bad boys are her downfall. The Monica from Friends lookalike finds it hard to date in her small rural town where the guys are already snapped up. As an only child, Christine would love to be able to provide her parents with a grandchild and is hoping the experiment will lead to the white wedding she's always dreamed of. Tara, 33, from Wicklow, runs her own cafe. She finds it tough to meet men in Wicklow because the dating pool is relatively small. Her last relationship ended 18 months ago after more than two years together because she felt they were recycling the same jokes and small talk. Tara was told by a fortune teller that she'd be engaged by September, so watch this space. Billy, 35, from Bangor, Co Down is an Army Physical Trainer. He has been single since his divorce five years ago and finds the modern-day dating world "a complete minefield". He often feels like the third wheel as most of his friends are settled down and as a result, doesn't socialise as much as he used to. Divorce hasn't put Billy off marriage and he's keen to be a husband again and start a family with his life partner. The first four episodes of Love Is Blind UK season two drop on Wednesday, August 13, with more episodes following weekly. This season runs for 10 instalments - two fewer than last year - with the finale set to land on Wednesday, August 27. (Image: Courtesy of Netflix) 1 of 7 (Image: Courtesy of Netflix) 2 of 7 Christine in Love is Blind (Image: Courtesy of Netflix) 3 of 7 Hosts Emma and Matt Willis (Image: Courtesy of Netflix) 4 of 7
Extra.ie
an hour ago
- Extra.ie
Cillian Murphy does it again: Trailer for Netflix's 'Steve' sparks early praise from fans
The trailer has officially dropped for Cillian Murphy's highly anticipated new flick and fans are going wild. Netflix released the trailer for 'Steve,' starring the Irish Oscar winner on Wednesday, and talk of it being the movie of the year has already commenced. Based on Max Porter's 2023 novel 'Shy,' the film 'follows a pivotal day in the life of headteacher Steve (Murphy) and his students at a last-chance reform school amidst a world that has forsaken them.' The trailer has officially dropped for Cillian Murphy's highly anticipated new flick and fans are going wild. Pic: Robert Viglasky/Neflix The synopsis for the flick reads: 'As Steve fights to protect the school's integrity and impending closure, we witness him grappling with his own mental health. In parallel to Steve's struggles, we meet Shy (Jay Lycurgo), a troubled teen caught between his past and what lies ahead as he tries to reconcile his inner fragility with his impulse for self-destruction and violence.' The film comes from the Belgian director Tim Mielants (who also worked with Murphy on Small Things Like These and Peaky Blinders) and stars Tracey Ullman alongside the Cork native. Murphy not only stars in the film, but he also act as producer through his Big Things Films company alongside partner Alan Moloney. Simbi Ajikawo and Emily Watson also star. Netflix released the trailer for 'Steve,' starring the Irish Oscar winner on Wednesday, and talk of it being the movie of the year has already commenced. Pic: Robert Viglasky/Neflix The star studded cast is rounded out by Simni Ajikawo and Emily Watson. Fans are sharing their excitement for the highly anticipated release, with many taking to the comments to laud Murphy on what is set to be another standout performance. 'Looks awesome! Anything with Murphy carries weight at this point,' one user penned. Based on Max Porter's 2023 novel 'Shy,' the film 'follows a pivotal day in the life of headteacher Steve (Murphy) and his students at a last-chance reform school amidst a world that has forsaken them.' Pic: Robert Viglasky/Netflix 'You had my attention at Cillian Murphy. You had my interest at Emily Watson,' another shared. 'CILLIAN? We're seated,' a third wrote. 'Steve' is releasing in select theaters September 19 and on Netflix October 3. Check out the trailer below:
