Latest news with #MarianneCartwright-Hignett
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Arrests made after 'iconic' statues stolen from sprawling country mansion
Thieves broke into Grade II star-listed Ilford Manor in an overnight raid last Friday, where four classic statues, some of which had stood in the grounds for more than a century, were taken Two men have been arrested following the theft of four statues from a country house garden last Friday (June 20), with police urging antiques dealers to be on the lookout for some historic stolen goods. The Grade I-listed Ilford Manor, near Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, was targeted in an overnight raid. Four replica classic statues, some of which have been situated in the grounds for over a century, were stolen. Avon and Somerset officers revealed that a car with a police marker was pulled over in the Bristol area on Thursday evening. A 31-year-old and a 39-year-old were subsequently arrested. Both men, who reside outside of Wiltshire, have been released on conditional bail with orders not to enter the county. Ilford Manor, owned by William and Marianne Cartwright-Hignett, boasts gardens open to the public. The loss of their copy of the Capitoline She-Wolf has been particularly felt, reports Bristol Live. This bronze statue, which has "overlooked the valley for over 120 years", portrays a scene from the legend of the founding of Rome and was at the "heart" of the estate's peaceful setting. A pair of symmetrical fawns, replicas of the Villa Dei Papyri fawns, and a bust of Antinous were also tkaen. At the time of the theft, the estate - which has served as a filming location for the Secret Garden and ITV's Sanditon – was hosting a five-day jazz festival. In a statement published on their website, the estate said it was "still reeling from the theft". "This is a cultural loss for all of us," it added. "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." William Cartwright-Hignett, the managing partner of Iford Manor Estate, said at the time of the theft: 'We spent our whole lives and existences with our team trying to maintain, preserve and enhance this beautiful place for the benefit of all of our visitors and future visitors for the heritage. "It is devastating to see such iconic pieces which are very important to the design of the garden being stolen away in the night." According to Detective Inspector Penny Andrews: "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." She added that even the smallest detail could prove crucial: "No matter how insignificant you may think the information may be, it could be vital to assist our ongoing investigation." The police are also urging anyone working in antiques or auction houses to be vigilant for the stolen goods.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Wiltshire restaurant picks up prestigious regional award
A restaurant attached to a Wiltshire manor that is home to one of the nation's best gardens has scooped a prestigious regional award. Iford Manor Kitchen, near Bradford on Avon, picked up 'Best Newcomer' at the Trencherman Awards 2025 in Bath, on Monday, March 24. The kitchen won the award, sponsored by Harvey & Brockless, at one of the South West's most prestigious hospitality awards were unveiled at a glamorous ceremony and multi-course dinner at the delightfully eclectic Homewood, near Bath. Iford was also a finalist in the 'Best Front of House' category. Owner Managers William and Marianne Cartwright-Hignett attended the ceremony, along with executive chef Matthew Briddon and his wife Klaudia. On collecting the award, Marianne said: 'Wow! When William and I created Iford Manor Kitchen and Café, we wanted to provide visitors to our famous gardens with an improved food experience. 'However, we never expected to be where we are now and working alongside such a phenomenal team, every one of whom deserves this award. 'We are truly grateful for the support of our lovely customers, who nominated and voted for us. Thank you!' The grand finale of the evening saw Paul Ainsworth honoured for his services to the region's hospitality sector with the Trencherman's Award for Special Contribution. Other winners of the sought-after accolades were Ayesha Kalaji (Best Trencherman's Chef) for her modern Middle Eastern cooking at Queen of Cups in Glastonbury and OSIP (Award for Innovation and Creativity) in Bruton. Barnaby's in Padstow took home Best Trencherman's Restaurant. Recommended reading: 'Epic gem' of a Wiltshire riverside pub set to reopen Two Wiltshire villages among the nation's 'poshest' Reaction to plans for huge Metro system to overhaul railways Trencherman's Guide editor Abi Manning hosted the awards evening, which is known for being the region's hottest event in the culinary calendar. A multi-course dinner was cooked by previous award winners, three of whom are Great British Menu and/or MasterChef: The Professionals alumni, with the nine prizes presented between courses. The event was attended by the movers and shakers of the South West food scene including leading chefs, restaurateurs, hoteliers, and food and drinks businesses. Speaking with the Wiltshire Times in January, William said that the team was 'thrilled even to be nominate for the award they have just picked up. He said: 'This best newcomer is great, because they're very selective about who goes in for the Trencherman awards, and to be nominated is very exciting. 'It's a very personal project to us and it's lovely to be involved and nominated and hopefully we can take it further.' In addition to its culinary victory at the Trencherman Awards, Iford Manor's stunning Grade I-listed garden is also up for a national award. The gardens are a finalist in the Historic House, which will has seen just eight gardens compete to be named 2025 Garden of the Year. Iford's garden was most famously tended by architect Harold Peto, who took a Georgian terraced garden and developed it further, building on Mediterranean as well as Japanese influences, with statues, colonnades, rills and ponds gracing the terraces. The gardens are open from 11am to 4pm (last entry 3pm) and have recently been shortlisted for the Historic Houses Garden of the Year 2025 award. The Iford Manor hospitality offering will soon be expanding further as William and Marianne Cartwright-Hignett acquired the freehold to The Cross Guns at Avoncliff at the start of April and are currently readying it for opening this summer. They will also be taking on the freehold of The Inn at Freshford later this year. Each of these historic pubs are unique, with very different characteristics. The Iford team says it is looking forward to bringing quality food and drink, with a warm welcome to each whilst celebrating their unique characters.
