Menu
11/07/2008
Shakespeare 'National Treasure' Back In Safe Hands
A man has been arrested for the theft of a "priceless" edition of Shakespeare's works.
Printed in 1623, the First Folio edition was among a number of books and manuscripts taken from the Durham University Library in December 1998.
It is believed there are only between 200 and 300 copies of the book world-wide.
Police say the arrested man, aged 51, asked library staff at the Folger Shakespeare Library Washington DC, in the US, to value the work.
The man, who has not been identified, is being questioned at Durham City police station.
A police spokesman said a man, who claimed to be an international businessman, had acquired the volume in Cuba, showed it to staff and then asked them to verify it as genuine.
Library staff then realised, when the man agreed to leave the book with them, that it was stolen.
A spokesman for Durham University said staff are delighted to have the book recovered.
Bill Bryson, chancellor of Durham University said: "This is not only wonderful news for Durham University but for all Shakespeare's scholars and fans around the world".
Mr Bryson added that the book is a "national treasure" giving a snapshot of Britain's "incredible literary heritage".
The literary work has been described by experts as "the most important book in the English language".
The man was arrested on Thursday at an address in Wigeon Close, Washington, Tyne and Wear.
It is understood the British Embassy in the US alerted Durham Police to the find two weeks ago.
In a police raid, a handwritten manuscript of an English translation of the New Testament from the 14th Century was also recovered.
A book by 10th Century scholar Aelfric was also found.
It is understood the stolen items were part of an exhibit of 50 examples of English literature dating from the Middle Ages to the 20th Century.
University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chris Higgins, says that "security has been very significantly reviewed and enhanced to the highest standards".
It is understood that the Durham Police are working with the FBI in the US.
The Shakespeare folio is being held at the Washington library.
(DS/KMcA)
Printed in 1623, the First Folio edition was among a number of books and manuscripts taken from the Durham University Library in December 1998.
It is believed there are only between 200 and 300 copies of the book world-wide.
Police say the arrested man, aged 51, asked library staff at the Folger Shakespeare Library Washington DC, in the US, to value the work.
The man, who has not been identified, is being questioned at Durham City police station.
A police spokesman said a man, who claimed to be an international businessman, had acquired the volume in Cuba, showed it to staff and then asked them to verify it as genuine.
Library staff then realised, when the man agreed to leave the book with them, that it was stolen.
A spokesman for Durham University said staff are delighted to have the book recovered.
Bill Bryson, chancellor of Durham University said: "This is not only wonderful news for Durham University but for all Shakespeare's scholars and fans around the world".
Mr Bryson added that the book is a "national treasure" giving a snapshot of Britain's "incredible literary heritage".
The literary work has been described by experts as "the most important book in the English language".
The man was arrested on Thursday at an address in Wigeon Close, Washington, Tyne and Wear.
It is understood the British Embassy in the US alerted Durham Police to the find two weeks ago.
In a police raid, a handwritten manuscript of an English translation of the New Testament from the 14th Century was also recovered.
A book by 10th Century scholar Aelfric was also found.
It is understood the stolen items were part of an exhibit of 50 examples of English literature dating from the Middle Ages to the 20th Century.
University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chris Higgins, says that "security has been very significantly reviewed and enhanced to the highest standards".
It is understood that the Durham Police are working with the FBI in the US.
The Shakespeare folio is being held at the Washington library.
(DS/KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 January 2009
Missing Teen 'Seen On Ferry To France'
A missing teenage girl has been spotted travelling on a ferry to France with a man she is believed to have met through an internet chat room. Police believe Laura Stainforth is with a man called Robert Williams, 49, who is understood to be on police bail pending a rape investigation by Durham Police.
Missing Teen 'Seen On Ferry To France'
A missing teenage girl has been spotted travelling on a ferry to France with a man she is believed to have met through an internet chat room. Police believe Laura Stainforth is with a man called Robert Williams, 49, who is understood to be on police bail pending a rape investigation by Durham Police.
19 August 2008
Laser Pen Blinds Pilot
A teenager has been arrested after allegedly using a 'laser pen' light to 'blind' the pilot of a passenger jet. The plane, believed to be a KLM flight from Amsterdam, was coming in to land at about 10.
Laser Pen Blinds Pilot
A teenager has been arrested after allegedly using a 'laser pen' light to 'blind' the pilot of a passenger jet. The plane, believed to be a KLM flight from Amsterdam, was coming in to land at about 10.
12 September 2014
Man Arrested After Body Found In Co Durham Field
A 22-year-old man has been arrested following the discovery of a body in a field in Co Durham. According to police, the body of a 42-year-old man was found near Willington High Street, Crook at about 01:00 on Friday morning. A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.
Man Arrested After Body Found In Co Durham Field
A 22-year-old man has been arrested following the discovery of a body in a field in Co Durham. According to police, the body of a 42-year-old man was found near Willington High Street, Crook at about 01:00 on Friday morning. A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.
03 July 2008
Man Arrested Over Holiday Grandmother Death
A man has been arrested in connection with the death of a British grandmother who was found dead in Tunisia. Durham Police say that Pauline Richardson, 64, of Bishop Auckland, was found dead on Tuesday in Port Elkantaoui. A Tunisian man has been arrested in connection with her death.
Man Arrested Over Holiday Grandmother Death
A man has been arrested in connection with the death of a British grandmother who was found dead in Tunisia. Durham Police say that Pauline Richardson, 64, of Bishop Auckland, was found dead on Tuesday in Port Elkantaoui. A Tunisian man has been arrested in connection with her death.
24 March 2015
Labour To Pledge No VAT Increase
Shadow chancellor Ed Balls has pledged to not raise VAT if Labour win the next general election. Mr Balls said that Labour will make a "clear pledge" not to increase the tax, which it claims the Conservatives would "have to increase" due to the scale of spending cuts.
Labour To Pledge No VAT Increase
Shadow chancellor Ed Balls has pledged to not raise VAT if Labour win the next general election. Mr Balls said that Labour will make a "clear pledge" not to increase the tax, which it claims the Conservatives would "have to increase" due to the scale of spending cuts.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
