AFTER 24 YEARS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 51, Issue 278, 7 September 1931, Page 5

AFTER 24 YEARS

OFFER OF CROWN JEWELS,

THE DUBLIN CASTLE ROBBERY.

HEAVY RANSOM DEMANDED. {United Press Association—Copyright) DUBLIN, September 8. The authorities have been /Informed that the Crown jewels, valued at £50,000, which were stolen froml'Dublin Castle in 1907 on the eye of -King Edward and Queen Alexandra's - visit to attend the International Exhibition, will be returned for a heavy ransam. The jewels are reported to be intact, and are either in England or on the Continent. The thieves are willing to restore them if their own protection be guaranteed.' ' ; "'-■'■

A safe at Dublin Castle was plundered about July 8, 1907, when the insignia of the Order of St. Patrick, valued at £50,000, was taken. The Star of St, Patrick was worth £30,000, a diamond badge was valued at £16,500, and a gold collar was worth £4OOO. Sir Arthur Vicars, Ulster King of Amis, kept the jewels locked up in the Birmingham Tower of the Castle. "The manner of the robbery was a mystery as the insignia was never on public. view, the tower was always carefully guarded and the safe was intact. It was unlocked and not damaged. A strange feature was that many other jewels were not touched. . The insignia was last seen on the previous June 11, . when Sir Arthur Vicars locked it oip. It was required on July 10 in connection with the visit, of the" King to Dublin, and it was considered that the theft was inspired by political motives. • '