The Lord Lieutenant of Rutland, Dr Sarah Furness, together with three Deputy Lieutenants of the county, a former High Sheriff of Rutland, a former magistrate and the Deputy Head of Oakham School were just some of the 70 guests who attended CHF's event at Rutland Museum celebrating its grant to the museum. This had enabled the museum to have an important painting in its collection restored to its former glory. Titled 'Edward Eagleton', the interest of the painting is the Eagleton family, who had strong links with Rutland during the 18th and 19th centuries. Robert Clayton, Head of Culture for Rutland, thanked The Counties Heritage Foundation for its support.

 

He went on to describe the foundation, in 1969, of the museum. The museum houses a number of treasures, purchased through charitable grants. These include the beautiful Reliquary Casket, circa 1200, in Limoges enamel, found at the site of the Augustinian monastery at Brooke. The gold Anglo-Saxon buckle found at Burley is one of only four known in England, indicating high status burial. Robert also highlighted the importance of Rutland's culture with the two major discoveries this year. The Rutland Roman mosaic, found in a field near Ketton, is described as' the find of the century', pointing to a Roman villa of high status on the site. His mention of the Ichthyosaur found at Rutland Water, a sea dragon living there 180 million years ago, raised the possibility that its future public exhibition would bring national attention culturally to Rutland, if it could be displayed and the funding found. Many of the guests at the charity's reception said it was their first visit to the museum and were delighted by their experience that evening.

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"I was impressed by this new charity and what it has achieved in conservation in the region for the public benefit. In these uncertain economic times the saving of arts and heritage for future generations is a worthy cause today.”

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Bart Hellyer DL Rutland