The statues were over a century old and are still missing
Iford Manor She-wolf (Credit : Wiltshire Police)
Two men have been arrested after four statues were stolen from the garden of a country house last Friday (June 20).
Thieves broke into Grade II star-listed Ilford Manor, near Bradford-on-Avon, in an overnight raid where four replica classic statues, some of which had stood in the grounds for more than a century, were taken.
Police said a vehicle with a police marker was stopped by Avon and Somerset officers in the Bristol area on Thursday evening when a 31-year-old and a 39-year-old, were arrested.
They live outside of Wiltshire and have been released under conditional bail not to enter the county.
Iford Manor She Wolf
The Manor, owned by William and Marianne Cartwright-Hignett, has gardens open to the public and said their loss of their copy of the Capitoline She-Wolf was a particularly sad loss.
The bronze statue, which has “overlooked the valley for over 120 years”, depicts a scene from the legend of the founding of Rome, and was at the “heart” of the estate’s tranquil setting.
A pair of symmetrical fawns, copies of the Villa Dei Papyri fawns, and a bust of Antinous were also stolen.
At the time of the theft, the estate which has been used as a filming location for the Secret Garden and ITV ’s Sanditon – was hosting a five-day jazz festival.
In a statement posted on their website, the estate said it was “still reeling from the theft”.
“This is a cultural loss for all of us,” it added.
Iford Manor, one of 2 deer (Credit : Wiltshire Police)
“The gardens here have welcomed visitors since 1910 and now have 20,000 visitors from April to September who enjoy the tranquil and beautiful setting, of which the She-Wolf was the heart and in a setting made to showcase the statue.
“We would love to see the statues returned to their rightful place for everyone to continue to enjoy for centuries to come.”
Detective Inspector Penny Andrews said: “We are continuing to appeal for anyone who knows anything about the stolen items or who saw anything suspicious leading up to the incident to come forward with information.
“No matter how insignificant you may think the information may be, it could be vital to assist our ongoing investigation.
“We would also urge any antique dealers or auction houses to look out for the items.”