Lovejoy episode helps antiques dealer identify stolen Napoleon III artefacts
The Guardian World
by Steven MorrisFebruary 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Two priceless 19th-century wooden altar cards stolen from the crypt of Napoleon III in England have been recovered after an antiques dealer identified them while watching a repeat of the BBC comedy drama *Lovejoy*. Paul Gostelow, the antiques dealer, recognized the artifacts as the missing pieces taken during a burglary at St Michael’s Abbey in Farnborough, Hampshire, in February 2014. The theft had left the items feared lost forever until Gostelow spotted them in an episode of *Lovejoy*, which provided the clue needed to recover these historically significant items.
The stolen altar cards were part of a larger collection of artifacts taken during the burglary, which occurred at St Michael’s Abbey. These items were originally stored in the crypt of Napoleon III but had been moved to the abbey for safekeeping. The theft was a major blow to cultural heritage enthusiasts and historians, as these artifacts held significant historical value. Gostelow’s recognition of the items through the TV
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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/23/2026