We are delighted to have helped to secure a rare and historic sword for the nation.

Delapre Abbey Preservation Trust asked the public for help to raise £15,000 of funds to buy the sword at auction, and we were pleased to make a contribution.

The sword once belonged to General Everard Bouverie, who owned the abbey from 1858 to 1871, and fought with it in the Battle of Waterloo, where he was injured.

After serving as a colonel in the 15th Hussars, Bouverie was made an equerry for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.

The sword will now be allowed to return to the 900-year-old abbey and is expected to be put on display for the public to see.

Richard Clinton, Chief Executive of Delapre Abbey Preservation Trust, said: 'We own very few original items linked to the house’s history but we are lucky enough to already have Bouverie’s medal for Waterloo in our collection.

“We're really pleased we've been able to secure the Waterloo Sword and it's only really thanks to the generosity of organisations and individuals across Northamptonshire and beyond that's made this possible.

“The sword is special because it is a heavy cavalry officer’s sword, rather than a light sword, and they rarely come up at auction. It also has a link to the Battle of Waterloo and we know it once belonged to Everard. It is very unusual to be able to put an owner’s name to a sword.”

Dr Johnny Wake, Managing Partner of Courteenhall Estate, said: “This sword is of historical importance and we were honoured to do our bit to help return it to the abbey.

“As an estate, we have very close links with Delapre Abbey including through my great-great aunt Joan Wake, who was born at Courteenhall in 1884.

“Joan, a brilliant historian and archivist, led a successful campaign to save Delapre Abbey from demolition in the 1950s, receiving a CBE in recognition of her achievements.”

https://delapreabbey.org/

Read more about Joan Wake here.