The Bible of the Priest Who Smuggled Charles II Out Of England And Got Thousands Of Dollars At Auction
The Bible of the cleric who successfully smuggled King Charles II out of England during the Civil War is expected to fetch thousands of dollars at auction.
Father John Huddleston’s Bible was purchased in the 1950s for a price equivalent to just 2.5 pence today, so the estimated sale price is at least £2,000.
The “extremely rare” item was owned by Father Huddleston when he arranged for Charles II to be transported to safety. France During the English Civil War in 1651.
With the help of a network of priests and royalist gentlemen, the monarch was able to escape the country. At first he attempted to escape via Wales, then disguised himself as a servant and made his way to Bristol, then disguised as an elopement and made his way to the south coast of Charmouth. mistress.
When he went to France on coal ships, he eventually rode east to Shoreham.
During the English Civil War in 1651, when Father Huddleston arranged for the transportation of King Charles II to safety in France, the “extremely rare” item belonged to Huddleston.
“Very Rare” items also have a priest’s signature, making them even more valuable at auction
Auctioneer John Crane said, “It is very easy to assume that this Bible was in existence at the time of King Charles’ death.”
Father Huddleston with the monarch at Moseley Hall, Wolverhampton. A place where the king stayed as a resting place during his escape. While there, the priest tended to his leg, which was bruised and bleeding.
He hid in Moseley Hall for two days before the parliamentary army arrived. When they arrived, Father Huddleston was one of many who hid him in a priest’s hole hidden behind a bedroom wall.
Feeling no longer safe at Moseley Hall, the King moved to Bentley Hall near Walsall and disguised himself as a servant, arriving in Bristol and making his way to France.
He lived in exile in Europe until returning to England in 1660.
In exchange for the crown of England, he promised a general amnesty for crimes committed during the English Civil War and interim period to all those who recognized Charles II as the legitimate king.
In 1685, Father Huddleston and the King met again when a priest was present at the monarch’s deathbed and converted him to the Catholic faith. He heard confession before performing his final rites, reconciled with the church, and absolved him.
Auctioneer John Crane said, “It is very easy to assume that this Bible was in existence at the time of King Charles’ death.”
And it’s made even more special by the fact that it’s signed by Father Huddleston.
“Buying this item is buying a piece of history,” he said. “The autograph alone is probably worth between £600 and £800, but the fact that it is his personal bible will add to the value.
“Most other books have been sold before, so they can have commercial value, but this one is so unique that it doesn’t have a better track record.”
Regarding the importance of the Bible, Crane added:
“Had Father Huddleston not orchestrated the escape of King Charles II, the entire course of history might have been altered.”
Given its historical importance, it is hoped that the Bible will not be seized after purchase
Father John Huddleston’s Bible, purchased in the 1950s for a price equivalent to just 2.5 pence today, has an estimated selling price of at least £2,000.
Given its historical importance, Crane hopes the Bible will not be seized after purchase.
“We hope that public bodies and museums will buy it so that the general public can enjoy looking at it,” he said.
“This is not about money, it’s about keeping it safe in safe hands for the benefit of the general public.”
The Bible is up for auction at thesaleroom.com/catocrane in a timed international auction ending March 30th.
