A ROYAL jewellery collection and a 14th Century sword are set to be auctioned in a bid to raise money for a Mirfield church.
The Community of the Resurrection held an auction last year to help with the renovation of their church.
And although they estimated they would earn around £10,000 the community made earnings of £60,000.
Now they hope to exceed expectations again with a series of “star lots”.
A donor has given the church a jewellery set – which was originally given to Princess Charlotte’s lady of the bed chamber by Prince Regent King George IV.
King George, who was later characterised in the film The Madness of King George, had given the lady of the chamber the jewellery to wear to Princess Charlotte’s wedding in 1816.
Princess Charlotte – the only child of King George IV – and her baby died during childbirth in 1817. Had she outlived her father, Charlotte would have become Queen.
Father John Gribben, from the Mirfield church, said: “It is a very interesting piece.
“It still has the original letter signed by King George IV.
“I believe some was written by his secretary.
“The stones are peridots set in solid gold.
“There is a necklace, earrings, two bracelets and five brooches in the original box.
“The item itself is very valuable but it is the history behind it that makes it difficult to determine a price.
“If either Princess Charlotte or her child had lived, it is doubtful we would be celebrating the Diamond Jubilee this year.
“The original owner was a Miss Charlotte Cotes.”
The second star lot due to go to auction on November 10 is a 14th century sword.
The knight’s sword dates back to around 1450 and was found at the Community.
Father Gribben recently showed it to the armouries in Leeds.
The uniqueness of the item made it difficult to value but they estimated between £4,000 and £6,000.
The final star lot was given to the Community last year prior to its previous auction but was left behind for closer inspection.
The 19th Century photograph album is of the Cambridge Colleges and included rare photographs of the royal family.
Money raised will go toward renovation costs of the church, which was revamped last year.
Father Gribben said: “We have got about 140 lots.
“If the star items don’t come off, we will still be having a fantastic auction based on donations from the public.
“Our friends have been so generous.”
The auction will be held at the Community on November 10, with a chance to view items on November 9.
George Gribben, Fr Gribben’s brother from Bloomfields Auction House, Belfast will be running the show.
