0:00:02 > 0:00:07We're mixing business with pleasure today at Ashridge House in West Hertfordshire,
0:00:07 > 0:00:12home to a world-renowned business school and set in one of the county's most historic estates.
0:00:12 > 0:00:16These walls behind me housed great minds and great treasures,
0:00:16 > 0:00:21and today, it's home to our BBC production team and our precious valuation tables.
0:00:21 > 0:00:24Welcome to Flog It!
0:00:42 > 0:00:47This site has been a hive of academic activity for over 700 years.
0:00:47 > 0:00:49First, a group of monks settled here,
0:00:49 > 0:00:53then the young Queen Elizabeth I came to Ashridge to be tutored,
0:00:53 > 0:00:58and several centuries later, the grand house became a finishing school for girls.
0:00:58 > 0:01:04These days, it's a business school and welcomes delegates from all over the world.
0:01:04 > 0:01:09More about the estate's history later, but first, we're very much in the present and looking forward
0:01:09 > 0:01:12to a busy valuation day.
0:01:12 > 0:01:15Ashridge is a few miles from the Buckinghamshire border
0:01:15 > 0:01:19and a short drive from Bedfordshire, so there's a quick geography lesson.
0:01:19 > 0:01:23Hundreds of people have turned up and are all as keen as mustard
0:01:23 > 0:01:27to ask our experts that all-important question which is...
0:01:27 > 0:01:32- ALL: What's it worth? - Stay tuned and you'll find out.
0:01:32 > 0:01:36'And the people best placed to answer them are these keen beans.'
0:01:36 > 0:01:41- It's like a voyage of discovery in your sack. - 'Top of the class, Thomas Plant.'
0:01:41 > 0:01:44You know, I'm in training for Rio.
0:01:44 > 0:01:47I don't know about our hopes. What do you think?
0:01:47 > 0:01:52- Hello, hello. What have you got lurking in there?- 'And head girl for the day, Claire Rawle.'
0:01:52 > 0:01:58- A ukulele.- A banjolele.- Is it? - A banjolele when it's a banjo, a ukulele when it looks like a guitar.
0:01:58 > 0:02:00'Thanks for clearing that up.'
0:02:00 > 0:02:02I shan't do a George Formby!
0:02:03 > 0:02:08'Coming up, as well as our usual mix of eclectic and curious items,
0:02:08 > 0:02:13'we're putting some of the most famous names in ceramics head to head at auction.
0:02:15 > 0:02:17'So can you test your antiques knowledge
0:02:17 > 0:02:22'and predict which one of these amazing pieces fetches over £1,000?
0:02:23 > 0:02:27'Susie Cooper, Clarice Cliff
0:02:27 > 0:02:30'or Royal Worcester?
0:02:30 > 0:02:33'You'll have to wait for the auction to find out.
0:02:34 > 0:02:40'But first, let's crack on with the valuations and it's over to Claire dishing up a real treat.'
0:02:40 > 0:02:45Hello, Joan. You've brought this rather fine charger in for me to have a look at.
0:02:45 > 0:02:50- What can you tell me about it?- Only that I've had it for about 55 years.
0:02:50 > 0:02:55My mother bought it for me on a little antiques stall in Hemel Hempstead Market
0:02:55 > 0:02:57and she paid £4 for it.
0:02:57 > 0:03:02- Any particular reason? - No reason at all. Just that she liked it and she thought I would.
0:03:02 > 0:03:07- Have you enjoyed it over the years? - Yes.- I think it's a wonderful design. The colours are just...
0:03:07 > 0:03:12- And they're poppies and I'm very fond of poppies. - They are rather special.
0:03:12 > 0:03:17- It's by a designer, Susie Cooper. - That's right. - It's clearly marked on the back.
0:03:17 > 0:03:23There we are, Susie Cooper, all the marks on there and the number which will go with the pattern.
0:03:23 > 0:03:26I always think she's been rather eclipsed by Clarice Cliff.
0:03:26 > 0:03:28Yes, indeed.
0:03:28 > 0:03:32They worked rather in the same period, they were in the same area.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35Clarice gets all the attention.
0:03:35 > 0:03:39Susie Cooper certainly has a good following of collectors,
0:03:39 > 0:03:41but a lot of her designs are much more pastel
0:03:41 > 0:03:46and to see something as bold as this from her, I think, is lovely.
0:03:46 > 0:03:51- Yes, it is nice. - You've got the tube line decoration which is literally out of a tube.
0:03:51 > 0:03:56- You get these sort of raised edges which you then in-fill with blocks of colour.- Yes.
0:03:56 > 0:03:59And wonderful, deep blue and the red of the poppy.
0:03:59 > 0:04:03I think it's a lovely thing. Even if it wasn't by Susie Cooper...
0:04:03 > 0:04:07- It would still be nice. - Wouldn't it, to have?- Yes.
0:04:07 > 0:04:12- Now you've decided to sell it and I think it will do very well indeed.- Good.
0:04:12 > 0:04:15I think certainly sort of 130 to 180 is a sensible estimate
0:04:15 > 0:04:19- with a 130 fixed reserve if you're happy with that.- Yes.
0:04:19 > 0:04:25- Definitely.- I really look forward to seeing you at the auction. It's been a pleasure meeting you.- Thank you.
0:04:25 > 0:04:29Yes, I agree with Claire. It is an unusual design for Susie Cooper,
0:04:29 > 0:04:32so let's see what our auctioneer thinks later.
0:04:34 > 0:04:38Next, it's Thomas in the garden with his first catch of the day.
0:04:38 > 0:04:44So, Katie, we look like we've got a fisherman's head smoking a pipe. What's the story behind him?
0:04:44 > 0:04:50My auntie's given him to me and all that I know is his eyes light up and smoke comes out of his pipe,
0:04:50 > 0:04:53or it did at one point and it's no longer working.
0:04:53 > 0:04:58Right, OK. And what's the story? Your auntie, was she a pub owner?
0:04:58 > 0:05:01No, no, no. She was given it by her auntie
0:05:01 > 0:05:04and she worked for a family in Stanmore.
0:05:04 > 0:05:08And they gave it to her. She was a maid type...
0:05:08 > 0:05:11- OK, so she was in service?- Yes.
0:05:11 > 0:05:15I don't think this is something you'd see in a house though.
0:05:15 > 0:05:17You've got this spelter body here,
0:05:17 > 0:05:20but it's marked here ELO and then "Geschutz".
0:05:20 > 0:05:27Now, Geschutz is a sort of German expression. It's a bit like saying "made in England".
0:05:27 > 0:05:29So it's definitely continental,
0:05:29 > 0:05:35but it's of a very, very British sailor or fisherman in a sou'wester with a beard.
0:05:35 > 0:05:39- It's what you think of if you draw a fisherman.- Yeah.
0:05:39 > 0:05:41- But this filament here...- Mm-hm.
0:05:41 > 0:05:45Why would it just smoke from his pipe?
0:05:45 > 0:05:49I think you could have lit your cigarettes from it or your cigars.
0:05:49 > 0:05:53It would have got hot, they'd put it on and light it. That's one theory.
0:05:53 > 0:05:57- Your theory is that it smoked as a novelty item.- Yeah.
0:05:57 > 0:06:00Is it something your family have had for a while?
0:06:00 > 0:06:05My auntie gave it to me last week, but she's had it for quite some years.
0:06:05 > 0:06:08- Did she give it to you to bring here?- Yes, she did.
0:06:08 > 0:06:12She said I could keep any proceeds that went to auction.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15- Do you think it's worth a lot of money?- No, I don't.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18- But you're going to sell it? - Yes, definitely.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21Yeah, I think we should give it a go.
0:06:21 > 0:06:25- It is extraordinary.- Have you ever seen one before?- No. Have you?
0:06:25 > 0:06:29- No.- I've never seen anything this extraordinary. What's it worth?
0:06:29 > 0:06:32Probably between £80 and £100?
0:06:32 > 0:06:38You've been watching too much Flog It. That's a typical auctioneer's estimate - £80 to £120, £80 to £100.
0:06:38 > 0:06:46I think that's quite generous. Personally, I'd like to give it a little bit less - £70 to £80.
0:06:46 > 0:06:50It might make more. Reserve it at 60 and see what happens.
0:06:50 > 0:06:56- OK.- Are you happy?- I'm very happy. - I look forward to seeing you at the auction.- Thank you.
0:06:57 > 0:07:00All eyes may be on what's going on at the tables,
0:07:00 > 0:07:04but above our heads is something quite breathtaking.
0:07:04 > 0:07:10Decorated around 1850, the ceiling in the Lady Marian Alford Room features a central panel,
0:07:10 > 0:07:15copied from the luscious Palazzo Rospigliosi in Rome.
0:07:15 > 0:07:20The scene depicts the goddess of the dawn, Aurora, leading the chariot of the sun god, Apollo.
0:07:20 > 0:07:24The border is also very intricate with gold leaf decor
0:07:24 > 0:07:29and the painting depicts the arts, navigation and commerce.
0:07:29 > 0:07:31Now, that's not your average ceiling.
0:07:36 > 0:07:39- Good morning, Julie.- Good morning.
0:07:39 > 0:07:45- Isn't it glorious here?- I love it. I've never been in here before, but the ceiling is beautiful.
0:07:45 > 0:07:50- It really is beautiful here. And a rather beautiful object you've brought in today.- Thank you.
0:07:50 > 0:07:55- Where did you buy it?- I bought it at an antique market in Hemel Hempstead.
0:07:55 > 0:07:58I saw this particular item and I thought, "I really like that!"
0:07:58 > 0:08:04I went past the stall quite a few times and in the end, I did buy it. It cost me £4.
0:08:04 > 0:08:06Wow! That was good.
0:08:06 > 0:08:11So did you buy it because of the decoration, the colours? Or did you know who it was by?
0:08:11 > 0:08:14I didn't know about Clarice Cliff.
0:08:14 > 0:08:19- I just liked the item and I liked the lady on it. - Yes, she's pretty, isn't she?
0:08:19 > 0:08:23- She's mysterious without a face. - It's a very pleasing object.
0:08:23 > 0:08:29- As you say, it's by Clarice Cliff who I think nearly everybody knows. - They do now.
0:08:29 > 0:08:31Exactly. She was a very prolific designer.
0:08:31 > 0:08:36She was very young when she started designing, a young teenager.
0:08:36 > 0:08:40And she just had this idea of decorating porcelain in the white,
0:08:40 > 0:08:43so it was just this glazed white with her bold colours.
0:08:43 > 0:08:48She started out with geometric patterns and this is a rather more romantic piece.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51The design is known as the Crinoline Lady.
0:08:51 > 0:08:56And it has lovely sort of pastelly, sort of sweetie-coloured rings.
0:08:56 > 0:09:00- I can see why you were attracted to it.- It's kept its colour well.
0:09:00 > 0:09:07- They will do. The worst thing that happens with earlier pieces is that the paint flakes off.- Oh, no!
0:09:07 > 0:09:10But these are usually fine. Did you ever use it?
0:09:10 > 0:09:15I don't think I have. I've been frightened to use it because it's so delicate.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18- They do tend to be a little bit... - That's the reason.
0:09:18 > 0:09:24Yes, I'm always afraid that they'll suddenly come to bits and the plates will smash together.
0:09:24 > 0:09:28But it is a nice object and she is still very collected.
0:09:28 > 0:09:32- Right, OK.- It's got one point, one problem with it.
0:09:32 > 0:09:37- Right, OK. - It has got a little hairline crack running from the centre.
0:09:37 > 0:09:41My guess is that's come from where this fitting is.
0:09:41 > 0:09:47It's not too desperate, but to a collector, it's not perfect, which does knock it back a bit in value.
0:09:47 > 0:09:52I still think it'll sell well. My feeling is probably around about £180 to £220.
0:09:52 > 0:09:57- I don't know how that sounds to you.- It sounds fine.- Oh, good.
0:09:57 > 0:10:03Armed with all this wonderful money, have you got anything in mind what you'll do or how you'll spend it?
0:10:03 > 0:10:07I'm trying to collect Ercol furniture.
0:10:07 > 0:10:09- Oh, right.- I quite like the Ercol.
0:10:09 > 0:10:15- I've got a coffee table so far and I'm after a bookshelf now.- Right.
0:10:15 > 0:10:18- Maybe the money will go towards that.- Excellent.
0:10:18 > 0:10:24I look forward to seeing you at the auction. I'm sure this will sell well. It will appeal to collectors.
0:10:24 > 0:10:29Once you get your cheque, you'll have some money to put towards your Ercol furniture
0:10:29 > 0:10:33- and buy your bookshelf maybe. - Thank you.- That's excellent.
0:10:33 > 0:10:39We've got off to a flying start at Ashridge and we're almost ready for our first trip to the auction room,
0:10:39 > 0:10:44but before we do, can you remember what items are coming with us? Here's a quick reminder.
0:10:45 > 0:10:51Leading the charge is Joan's colourful Susie Cooper, looking for a new home after 55 years.
0:10:54 > 0:10:56On to another ceramic queen,
0:10:56 > 0:11:00this Clarice Cliff cake stand has a higher estimate,
0:11:00 > 0:11:02but will the bidders buy it?
0:11:03 > 0:11:06And it's all eyes on Katie's friendly fisherman,
0:11:06 > 0:11:09but will he light up the saleroom?
0:11:11 > 0:11:14We haven't had to travel too far for our auction.
0:11:14 > 0:11:20We're in Tring just a few miles up the road from Ashridge where all our items will be going under the hammer
0:11:20 > 0:11:23and hopefully, going through the top end of the estimate.
0:11:23 > 0:11:28On the rostrum, we have auctioneer Stephen Hearn, the man with all the local knowledge.
0:11:28 > 0:11:33The car park's filling up. I bet it'll be busy inside. Let's go in.
0:11:39 > 0:11:44Well, it has to be, doesn't it? It's Flog It. It's got to be a little bit of Clarice Cliff.
0:11:44 > 0:11:48It normally doesn't let us down. Julie, fingers crossed.
0:11:48 > 0:11:55I think we've sold about 2,000 or 3,000 pieces of Clarice in the 12 years and only two have not sold.
0:11:55 > 0:11:58- This is a two-tier, Bizarre cake stand.- That's right.
0:11:58 > 0:12:03I don't think we've had one of those before. I can see this with cake on it.
0:12:03 > 0:12:08- It's got good colours. - With a bit of Battenberg on it. That's got good colours.
0:12:08 > 0:12:13- My dad used to love Battenberg. I don't know if they still make it any more.- Oh, yeah.
0:12:13 > 0:12:18- A bit of Victoria sponge and a bit of this and that.- Yes. Let's hope.
0:12:18 > 0:12:22A little bit of Clarice has crept into the sale. There we go.
0:12:22 > 0:12:27- We'll get £200...- There's something quite decadent about a cake stand.
0:12:27 > 0:12:30- It's become fashionable again.- Yeah. - 30. 40. 50.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33Surely it's 60. And 70. And 80 now.
0:12:33 > 0:12:36And 90. At £200.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39At 210 is it perhaps? At 210.
0:12:39 > 0:12:41220.
0:12:42 > 0:12:47I'm selling then. It's going to be sold for £220.
0:12:47 > 0:12:49- Thank you.- That's a good result.
0:12:49 > 0:12:52- Someone loved it.- I hope they look after it like I did.
0:12:52 > 0:12:55Oh, bless you! Now you're missing it!
0:12:55 > 0:13:00'Good old Clarice Cliff always sells. Not bad for a £4 investment.'
0:13:02 > 0:13:07Next up, that man with a pipe, that wonderful, continental, automated little mask
0:13:07 > 0:13:12which does light up cigarettes and cigars, belonging to Katie, who has just got married.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15- You have, haven't you? Congratulations.- Thank you.
0:13:15 > 0:13:21- Thomas... I can remember that day. It's a day you'll never forget in your life, getting married.- Yes.
0:13:21 > 0:13:27- Good event?- Very good, yeah. - Have you had the honeymoon yet? - No, we've postponed it.
0:13:27 > 0:13:31- To be on Flog It?- Yes, but we'll get there.- That's commitment for you.
0:13:31 > 0:13:36And that's pressure as well because, Thomas, we have to pay for a wedding.
0:13:37 > 0:13:43- I don't think the smoking man...- No. It'll maybe pay for the printing of the menus or something.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46- I hope it was brilliant. I really do.- It was very lovely.
0:13:46 > 0:13:52- Where are you going on your honeymoon?- It depends how much the man with the pipe sells for.
0:13:52 > 0:13:54Come on, Thomas. Come on!
0:13:54 > 0:13:59Because it's so unusual, I think it's going to make the estimate.
0:13:59 > 0:14:03- Top end?- I hope so. - Put that in your pipe and smoke it. Here we go, this is it.
0:14:03 > 0:14:07Now something very interesting, the automata plaque.
0:14:07 > 0:14:11Possibly £100 for it? Something a little different. £100? Or 50?
0:14:11 > 0:14:13Or 40. And 5. And 50. And 5.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16And 60. And 5. And 70.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19Out now. Any more?
0:14:19 > 0:14:21No, £70 then. I shall sell.
0:14:21 > 0:14:25Down it goes for £70. Sir, thank you very much.
0:14:25 > 0:14:28- It's gone. £70.- Better than nothing.
0:14:28 > 0:14:30Better than nothing? It was fine.
0:14:30 > 0:14:34- I didn't think it was going to sell. - Well, there you are then.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37- You've exceeded your expectations. - That's a happy result.
0:14:37 > 0:14:41I might get to Butlins for the weekend. Who knows?
0:14:44 > 0:14:48Now, if I said Burslem, you'd say, "Yes, the Stoke Potteries,"
0:14:48 > 0:14:51and that's where our next item was made, courtesy of Joan.
0:14:51 > 0:14:56- Hello there.- Hello there. - Your charger has got Susie Cooper on the back.- I know.
0:14:56 > 0:15:00- Susie Cooper always worked in pastels.- It's a very strong colour.
0:15:00 > 0:15:05- I think it's Charlotte Rhead. - Maybe.- I really think that's Charlotte Rhead.
0:15:05 > 0:15:09- I don't think that will affect the cost or the value.- No, It's lovely.
0:15:09 > 0:15:14- It's lovely, yeah.- We'll see. - Fingers crossed. Let's find out what the bidders think.
0:15:16 > 0:15:20The Susie Cooper Crown Works, Burslem Pottery charger.
0:15:20 > 0:15:24I'll tell you something about that. That's just a little bit unusual
0:15:24 > 0:15:28in as much that it's got a Charlotte Rhead decorated pattern on it.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31There is a little theory with it
0:15:31 > 0:15:35that Charlotte Rhead took over painting and decorating
0:15:35 > 0:15:38just at the time when that was Susie Cooper
0:15:38 > 0:15:40and I cannot be sure,
0:15:40 > 0:15:45but I think it was a "left behind" Susie Cooper,
0:15:45 > 0:15:47possibly decorated by Charlotte Rhead,
0:15:47 > 0:15:52just on that period, so it's very interesting.
0:15:52 > 0:15:55Anyway, there you are, lot 373...
0:15:55 > 0:15:59We need two people to go along with that theory and go, "That's rare!"
0:15:59 > 0:16:01£90. £100. And 10.
0:16:01 > 0:16:04Are you 20, sir? 120. 130.
0:16:04 > 0:16:06140. And 50? Yes.
0:16:06 > 0:16:09£150, thank you.
0:16:09 > 0:16:13Right then, I sell for £150...
0:16:13 > 0:16:17- Well, it's gone. Gone within estimate, so you were right.- Yeah.
0:16:17 > 0:16:19Unusual. I'm still not quite sure.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22- But that was my theory and Stephen agreed with it.- Yeah.
0:16:22 > 0:16:27- That's a good one.- It will always be a Susie Cooper plate for me.- Yeah.
0:16:27 > 0:16:32'So the lucky new owner is going home with a very rare piece of pottery -
0:16:32 > 0:16:38'a Susie Cooper charger, decorated by another sought-after artist of the time, Charlotte Rhead.'
0:16:39 > 0:16:46As we often see on the show, as times change, so do values and the way people use things.
0:16:46 > 0:16:48I've been taking a close look
0:16:48 > 0:16:53at how the diverse owners of our valuation day venue have used and shaped the estate,
0:16:53 > 0:16:56carving its name firmly in the history books.
0:17:03 > 0:17:09The thing I love about visiting heritage properties is you get a chance to play house detective.
0:17:09 > 0:17:13The architecture, the internal decor and the furnishings are all clues
0:17:13 > 0:17:17as to who lived here during different periods of its history.
0:17:17 > 0:17:21If the walls really did have ears, these residents here behind me
0:17:21 > 0:17:27would have witnessed all the characters and stories you would need in a gripping period drama.
0:17:28 > 0:17:34Starting with religion, the mythology and mystery of Ashridge begins 700 years ago
0:17:34 > 0:17:39when Edmund, the 2nd Earl of Cornwall, decided to site a new religious order,
0:17:39 > 0:17:44the College of Bonhommes at Assherugge, as it was known, near to Berkhamsted Castle,
0:17:44 > 0:17:48which at the time was Edmund's main residence.
0:17:49 > 0:17:55These founding fathers even built a monastery here and were charged with guarding a precious holy relic
0:17:55 > 0:17:58that Edmund brought back from Europe with him,
0:17:58 > 0:18:01reputedly, a portion of the blood of Christ.
0:18:01 > 0:18:07The legend of the holy blood drew pilgrims from all over the world to pay homage here at Ashridge
0:18:07 > 0:18:11and it's said that some wealthy ones even wanted to be buried here.
0:18:13 > 0:18:19In fact, archaeologists are rather hoping that the dig that's going on here in the garden
0:18:19 > 0:18:24may just reveal the convent chapel of St Mary which was built in 1286
0:18:24 > 0:18:27and possibly where the relic was kept.
0:18:27 > 0:18:31Now, the Bonhommes monks were certainly an industrious bunch
0:18:31 > 0:18:37and some of the structures they built still exist on site, such as the old well,
0:18:37 > 0:18:40730 years old and 70 metres deep.
0:18:40 > 0:18:45It provided the principal water source for the house until 1858.
0:18:50 > 0:18:56But by the 16th century, religion had made way for another divine order - monarchy.
0:19:01 > 0:19:05Henry VIII had three children who survived infancy -
0:19:05 > 0:19:07Edward, Mary and Elizabeth.
0:19:07 > 0:19:10They all needed a safe and suitable place to study
0:19:10 > 0:19:15and so by 1543, Ashridge had become their exclusive boarding school.
0:19:20 > 0:19:22They may have been royalty,
0:19:22 > 0:19:27but Elizabeth and her siblings were under the strict rules of their governess.
0:19:27 > 0:19:31A serious timetable of educational studies were carried out at Ashridge
0:19:31 > 0:19:36where the future young Queen enjoyed learning languages such as French, Italian and Latin,
0:19:36 > 0:19:39all of which she excelled at.
0:19:41 > 0:19:46When Ashridge and several other Hertfordshire estates were granted to her
0:19:46 > 0:19:48under her father's will in 1550,
0:19:48 > 0:19:52her childhood haunt became her regal home.
0:19:52 > 0:19:55Elizabeth spent her time between here and Hatfield House
0:19:55 > 0:20:01where she was courted and pursued by suitors including the incredibly dashing Thomas Seymour,
0:20:01 > 0:20:06a successful politician who, incidentally, was married to her stepmother at the time.
0:20:06 > 0:20:08He came to a sticky end in 1549.
0:20:08 > 0:20:12He was sent to the Tower of London where he lost his head.
0:20:13 > 0:20:18But Elizabeth's days of commanding the freedom of Hertfordshire were numbered.
0:20:18 > 0:20:22When her brother King Edward died and Mary Tudor became Queen,
0:20:22 > 0:20:25the Princess's life was thrown into jeopardy.
0:20:25 > 0:20:30Catholic Mary sought to re-establish the faith and no Protestants were safe,
0:20:30 > 0:20:32not even her younger sister.
0:20:35 > 0:20:39What was once a happy childhood home became a fortress.
0:20:39 > 0:20:44Elizabeth gathered a small army and made fortifying amendments to the building.
0:20:45 > 0:20:51But in February 1554, the knock at the door came that Elizabeth had been dreading.
0:20:51 > 0:20:55Queen Mary had sent a commission to bring her sister to court
0:20:55 > 0:20:58on trial on suspicion of supporting Protestant rebels.
0:20:58 > 0:21:03Despite pleading sickness, Elizabeth was taken from here to London.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06When she arrived at court, she was close to death.
0:21:08 > 0:21:14But by some miracle and despite a three-week trial, and being confined to the Tower of London,
0:21:14 > 0:21:17the future Queen survived the ordeal.
0:21:17 > 0:21:19The rest, we know, is history.
0:21:19 > 0:21:25She became Queen Elizabeth and ruled for 45 years, but she was never to see Ashridge House again
0:21:25 > 0:21:31or many of her beloved possessions left there on that cold February night.
0:21:34 > 0:21:40In 1604, ownership of Ashridge was passed on to Sir Thomas Egerton, Elizabeth's Lord Chancellor,
0:21:40 > 0:21:46and with it some of her personal possessions - a nightcap, shoes, looking glass. Things like that.
0:21:46 > 0:21:53Over the next 200 years, Ashridge saw immense change, embarking on a new, dynamic era.
0:21:56 > 0:22:03This included the purchasing of an earldom by John Egerton, who assumed the title Earl of Bridgewater.
0:22:04 > 0:22:10Andy Plumley from Ashridge House has been charting how much the estate changed in the Bridgewater tenure.
0:22:10 > 0:22:16So the royals moved out and the Bridgewaters moved in. What happened next?
0:22:16 > 0:22:21The family inherited a Tudor mansion and then the 3rd Duke...
0:22:21 > 0:22:24- He was worth a few bob. - He certainly was.
0:22:24 > 0:22:30He made an absolute fortune. Although he died without issue, he passed it on to his nephew
0:22:30 > 0:22:33who created this magnificent building we have now.
0:22:33 > 0:22:39- And he employed the most fashionable architect of the day.- James Wyatt. - The master of Gothic revival.
0:22:39 > 0:22:44- He's left his stamp all over this. You can see it in his style. - Very much so, yes.
0:22:44 > 0:22:50The star features include the entrance hall with the wind direction in the ceiling.
0:22:50 > 0:22:55Amazing ceilings, unsupported staircase. You name it, we've got it.
0:22:55 > 0:23:00The chapel is a wonderful feature. The glass in particular.
0:23:00 > 0:23:06Wyatt went to huge lengths to make sure it was the right setting for this particular building.
0:23:06 > 0:23:13- It came from a German monastery and took, we think, 20 years to install. - And that's now at the V&A?
0:23:13 > 0:23:17- Unfortunately, yes. - But the chapel itself...
0:23:17 > 0:23:21- It's wonderful, absolutely. - You've got to see it.- Yeah.
0:23:24 > 0:23:30Combining lavish materials with intricate carving, the chapel was to be Wyatt's masterpiece.
0:23:30 > 0:23:36But the sad thing about it is that James Wyatt didn't actually get to see his vision realised.
0:23:36 > 0:23:42He was tragically killed in a horse carriage accident in Wiltshire in 1813.
0:23:42 > 0:23:47The chapel, though, was completed by his nephew Jeffry Wyatt
0:23:47 > 0:23:50so the legacy of the architect does live on.
0:23:59 > 0:24:04But like all good period dramas, the story of Ashridge has a bittersweet twist.
0:24:04 > 0:24:08After six centuries inhabited with queens, dukes and monks,
0:24:08 > 0:24:12the future of Ashridge was thrown into complete jeopardy.
0:24:12 > 0:24:17When the 3rd Lord Brownlow died he didn't leave a young heir.
0:24:17 > 0:24:22Fears ran high that the buildings and woodland would be carved up and sold to developers,
0:24:22 > 0:24:30but a campaign to raise funds meant the National Trust was able to purchase 200 acres of woodland.
0:24:30 > 0:24:36And in 1928 the building was gifted by its new owner to the Conservative Party.
0:24:36 > 0:24:40Once again, Ashridge became a training college.
0:24:45 > 0:24:5130 years later, Ashridge was established as a business school with no political affiliation.
0:24:51 > 0:24:57It has delegates from all over the world, a place of education, entertainment and social history.
0:24:57 > 0:25:03They say there's no place like home, but in the case of Ashridge, there's no place like it.
0:25:09 > 0:25:15Welcome back to our Flog It valuation day where 600 people
0:25:15 > 0:25:18have brought their unwanted antiques to be valued
0:25:18 > 0:25:23and are also enjoying a summertime serenade.
0:25:23 > 0:25:26PLAYING "William Tell Overture"
0:25:34 > 0:25:39So, Chrissy, there could be anything in this black box.
0:25:39 > 0:25:45- It could be a set of carving knives. What is it?- It's actually a Royal Worcester...tea set?
0:25:45 > 0:25:49You're saying tea. A bit small for tea.
0:25:49 > 0:25:55I think it's coffee. And you're right - Royal Worcester. It should be marked on the base.
0:25:55 > 0:25:59There we are. The Royal Worcester mark. Robin. They're all signed.
0:25:59 > 0:26:03This is a presentation set. How did you come by it?
0:26:03 > 0:26:08My father gave it to me when he moved. He didn't have room for it.
0:26:08 > 0:26:12What did he do with it? It looks like it's never been out of the box.
0:26:12 > 0:26:18No, he didn't have it on display. He's quite a collector when it comes to antiques.
0:26:18 > 0:26:22- This is one of many. - Do you like it?
0:26:22 > 0:26:26I do like it. Robins remind me of my dad. His name's Robin.
0:26:26 > 0:26:31- Right, OK.- He's always had a fond affiliation when it comes to robins.
0:26:31 > 0:26:37And it's beautifully painted. And it's signed, which is the all-important thing.
0:26:37 > 0:26:43With Worcester, especially with signed porcelain, if it's signed by somebody who is famous
0:26:43 > 0:26:47from a painter's point of view, it creates a premium.
0:26:47 > 0:26:51And also the porcelain has got to be perfect.
0:26:51 > 0:26:57- Have you had a good look? - I have and I haven't managed to find any...- Chips.
0:26:57 > 0:26:59Or anything like that.
0:26:59 > 0:27:03- This gilding is so fresh! - It is, lovely.
0:27:03 > 0:27:09It does look like it's never been out of the box. We see the artist's name here. E Barker.
0:27:09 > 0:27:14Ernest Barker. And he was the painter in the '30s.
0:27:14 > 0:27:19He normally painted four-legged animals such as cows and sheep.
0:27:19 > 0:27:24Of course, in these presentation sets so many of these items do survive.
0:27:24 > 0:27:30However, being in such nice condition, it does command a good value.
0:27:30 > 0:27:35- Have you an idea? - Em, I haven't got much of an idea.
0:27:35 > 0:27:41- I have an amount I'd be happy with, but...- Right, OK. Well, hopefully I will make you happy.
0:27:41 > 0:27:45Really, in layman's terms, anything painted by Worcester,
0:27:45 > 0:27:50each cup and saucer is worth £100, £100-£120.
0:27:50 > 0:27:53So you've got six cups and saucers so that's £600.
0:27:53 > 0:28:01I think you wrap the whole thing up at £600-£800. With a reserve of six. Would you be happy with that?
0:28:01 > 0:28:05Most definitely. I would be happy with 600, yeah.
0:28:05 > 0:28:09- Brilliant. Will you be there at the auction?- Of course.
0:28:09 > 0:28:14- Will you be excited?- Definitely. - I look forward to seeing you there. - Thank you.
0:28:14 > 0:28:20From coffee to claret, Claire is next, busy inspecting another beverage receptacle with Phil.
0:28:20 > 0:28:25A very elegant item. Tell me a bit about it.
0:28:25 > 0:28:28- Something you've acquired, is it? - It is.
0:28:28 > 0:28:32I've often gone to the auctions with my partner, Val,
0:28:32 > 0:28:36and she all of a sudden decided that she likes claret jugs.
0:28:36 > 0:28:41- Oh, right.- And looking on a website on the internet I saw this one.
0:28:41 > 0:28:46- I put in a bid for it and got the thing.- Oh, right. OK.
0:28:46 > 0:28:53- But it didn't get received well because it's here today!- I think I paid a little too much for it.
0:28:53 > 0:28:57So I thought I'd bring it along and get a valuation on it.
0:28:57 > 0:29:02Yeah. Of course, it's in the Georgian style,
0:29:02 > 0:29:06which was 18th century through to the early 19th century.
0:29:06 > 0:29:11You have these very clean lines. Beaded edging, no fussy decoration.
0:29:11 > 0:29:16Simple etching to the body and the shape is very classical.
0:29:16 > 0:29:20It was very popular in the Georgian period.
0:29:20 > 0:29:25I say style because it might look Georgian, but it's actually quite modern. It's beautifully marked -
0:29:25 > 0:29:321996. I won't take that away from it. It's by an extremely good maker, isn't it?
0:29:32 > 0:29:36- It is. Garrard and Company. - The royal jewellers.
0:29:36 > 0:29:42So that's good. And this would have been an extremely expensive item when it was bought in 1996.
0:29:42 > 0:29:47Because the finish is good. Lovely quality. Very elegant item.
0:29:47 > 0:29:51- That would look rather nice filled with claret.- I think so, yes.
0:29:51 > 0:29:55With the red sparkling through the body there.
0:29:55 > 0:29:59- So you've decided to sell it... - Cut my losses, maybe.
0:29:59 > 0:30:05Well, you never know. It's always difficult with modern items, but it's got quite a bit of silver,
0:30:05 > 0:30:10it's by a very good maker, it's a lovely piece
0:30:10 > 0:30:16and anybody who wants to use it or just have something attractive, it's worth going for.
0:30:16 > 0:30:21- My feeling is probably at the moment say 350, 350-400.- Right.
0:30:21 > 0:30:27Obviously, if it was an antique piece, it would be considerably more than that.
0:30:27 > 0:30:33Somebody might think that. They might say, "I can't afford £1,000 plus for a Georgian jug.
0:30:33 > 0:30:37"However, 350 sounds a good buy for this one."
0:30:37 > 0:30:42- So if we try it at that.- Yeah. - 350 reserve?- Yes.- Try it at that.
0:30:42 > 0:30:44Keep away from these websites!
0:30:44 > 0:30:47They can be addictive at times.
0:30:47 > 0:30:51Yeah, that's true. I shall look forward to seeing you at the sale.
0:30:51 > 0:30:55And I really hope it does well. We shall see.
0:30:55 > 0:30:57- Thanks very much.- Thank you, Claire.
0:30:57 > 0:31:03Let's hope we help Phil get some of his money back. He spent £450 on it,
0:31:03 > 0:31:06so it'll be a close call.
0:31:07 > 0:31:11- Oh, no! Look at Ted! He needs a teddy bear hospital.- He does.
0:31:11 > 0:31:17I'll try to get him restored. I've just been to see the valuer. He's an old Steiff.
0:31:17 > 0:31:23- Yes, he looks really early as well. Has he got a name?- No.
0:31:23 > 0:31:29- Are you going to give him a name? - I think I should. I'll probably get him restored and keep him.
0:31:29 > 0:31:33He's got all the right attributes you'd expect from an early Steiff.
0:31:33 > 0:31:35Long nose, long arms as well.
0:31:37 > 0:31:43- I think I'll do the right thing and get him restored. He could be restored?- Yes, he could be.
0:31:43 > 0:31:47He just needs his arm sewing back on and a little bit more padding out.
0:31:47 > 0:31:52I wouldn't try to restore this fur. It's part of his age and character.
0:31:52 > 0:31:58- He's got a lot of heart and soul. - I don't want to part with him. - No, don't ever part with him.
0:31:58 > 0:32:01Thank you very much for looking at him.
0:32:01 > 0:32:07Now back to Thomas in the garden, who has received a very special delivery.
0:32:07 > 0:32:11Dee, this is one of my favourite things. How does that line go?
0:32:11 > 0:32:18- "Brown paper packages wrapped up with string." Is that right? - Definitely.- From The Sound of Music.
0:32:18 > 0:32:20- Are you a fan?- Not particularly.
0:32:20 > 0:32:23Really? Aww! I thought all girls were.
0:32:23 > 0:32:28- Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. - But, yeah, what is in here?
0:32:28 > 0:32:31- We'll have to open it and see. - An old address.
0:32:31 > 0:32:33Sweet!
0:32:33 > 0:32:37- Twins.- Twins. - So what's the story behind these?
0:32:37 > 0:32:45They were addressed to my great grandfather. We believe they were sent when his wife was pregnant.
0:32:45 > 0:32:51- It was just a little joke.- It could have been twins. Were there twins in your family?- No, there aren't.
0:32:51 > 0:32:57- They had a single baby, which was my granddad. - Lovely for me because I have twins.
0:32:57 > 0:33:01I have a boy and a girl. It's so sweet. These are bisque-head dolls.
0:33:01 > 0:33:08They're a sort of porcelain. And a bisque which is like an unfired porcelain.
0:33:08 > 0:33:12- Did you like dolls? - No, I don't like dolls at all.
0:33:12 > 0:33:19- You don't like Sound of Music or dolls.- I do like Sound of Music! - You probably like James Bond.
0:33:19 > 0:33:22- Oh, yeah.- There you are. Gadgets.
0:33:23 > 0:33:28These are quite late. There's not much detail on them.
0:33:28 > 0:33:32They would have been made in probably the 1920s.
0:33:32 > 0:33:37- They're probably German. They're called sleeping eyes.- Yeah.
0:33:37 > 0:33:41As you raise them up, you really have to treat them like new-borns.
0:33:41 > 0:33:48The heads go back. That's quite sweet, really. Unfortunately, this poor little darling here
0:33:48 > 0:33:53has a crack on the old porcelain, which is a shame. It really affects the value.
0:33:53 > 0:34:00- It's so lovely that it's in the original packaging. What do you feel about value?- Oh...
0:34:00 > 0:34:02I have actually no idea.
0:34:02 > 0:34:05They've been in my loft for several years now.
0:34:05 > 0:34:09I did a clear out in the loft just a few weeks ago
0:34:09 > 0:34:13- and wondered what was in the carrier bag. I'd forgotten them.- Really?
0:34:13 > 0:34:19- Poor little things. - How can they be forgotten about? - So I have no idea.
0:34:19 > 0:34:25- I would say under £100 probably. - I think with the damage, unfortunately, it is under £100.
0:34:25 > 0:34:29- No more than £50-£80.- Yeah, that's pretty much what I thought it'd be.
0:34:29 > 0:34:34- That's lovely, thank you.- Brilliant. And you're happy?- Absolutely.
0:34:34 > 0:34:39We'll send them to auction in brown paper packages wrapped up in string.
0:34:44 > 0:34:49What a fabulous day we have all had here. Everybody has enjoyed themselves.
0:34:49 > 0:34:55Our experts have now made their final choice, inspired by such magnificent surroundings.
0:34:55 > 0:35:02Sadly, it's time to say farewell to Ashridge House as we head over to auction for the last time today.
0:35:02 > 0:35:08In case you've forgotten, here's a quick reminder of all the items going under the hammer.
0:35:08 > 0:35:14Chrissy's Royal Worcester set is in perfect condition, so let's hope those robins take flight.
0:35:17 > 0:35:20The silver jug is classy and waiting to be filled with claret,
0:35:20 > 0:35:23but will the bids come pouring in?
0:35:23 > 0:35:30And it's double trouble, but will it be double bubble for Dee's porcelain dolls?
0:35:32 > 0:35:39We're heading back to Tring Market Auctions one last time to see if we can reach top price.
0:35:39 > 0:35:46A little tip. If you're thinking of buying something at auction, don't arrive on the sale day.
0:35:46 > 0:35:52Come a few days before. Auction preview days give you a chance to wander around,
0:35:52 > 0:35:58look at all the items on display, pick them up, examine them, ask about its provenance
0:35:58 > 0:36:04- or, better still, have a chat to the auctioneer. Today it's Stephen. - Hello, Paul.
0:36:04 > 0:36:10- Pleased to meet you. - Now you've singled out one of our items for me to have a look at.
0:36:10 > 0:36:15- I have.- And it's just here. - Yes, I've singled it out.
0:36:15 > 0:36:20- It's a little different to have something of this date. - Shall we look?
0:36:20 > 0:36:24It's a coffee set, isn't it? Not a tea set. Royal Worcester.
0:36:24 > 0:36:28- It is. Very consistent also. - Lots of robins!- All these robins!
0:36:28 > 0:36:33- Mid-1930s?- Probably the latter part of the 1930s.
0:36:33 > 0:36:39- Painted by Ernest Barker. - Very good established artist. - Yes, very collectable.
0:36:39 > 0:36:45- It's unusual to have this painted entirely with robins. - That's got me a bit foxed.
0:36:45 > 0:36:52You've got to love robins to want that. I was expecting a different variety of birds.
0:36:52 > 0:36:58I've got a theory that this might have been prepared as a commission.
0:36:58 > 0:37:02- Somebody who loves robins. - I think that's the only reason why.
0:37:02 > 0:37:09Are we looking at the top end here? Can you see maybe £700, £800?
0:37:09 > 0:37:13- It's going to be double estimate. Treble estimate.- Treble estimate?
0:37:13 > 0:37:18- We'll leave it at that.- OK. I think you know something I don't know.
0:37:18 > 0:37:23We'll have to wait and see if Stephen's right. The twin dolls are first.
0:37:23 > 0:37:29Going under the hammer right now is something that terrifies me. I do not like them.
0:37:29 > 0:37:35Dee, I'm sorry to say that. Nothing personal, but I do not like dolls and the way they look at you.
0:37:35 > 0:37:41I know these are sleeping ones. The two German, early 20th century bisque-head dolls.
0:37:41 > 0:37:46With a value of £70-£100, maybe. Fingers crossed. Do you like them?
0:37:46 > 0:37:50- No.- No. Do you like them? - Not particularly.
0:37:50 > 0:37:51No.
0:37:52 > 0:37:58- But somebody here in this sale room will. There's plenty of collectors of continental dolls.- Hopefully.
0:37:58 > 0:38:01Going under the hammer right now.
0:38:01 > 0:38:03The German bisque-headed twin dolls.
0:38:03 > 0:38:08There you are. They're rather nice, aren't they?
0:38:08 > 0:38:12Are we going to get close to £100 for those? £100 for them? £50?
0:38:12 > 0:38:15Yes, we've got 50. Thank you.
0:38:15 > 0:38:1850 I'm bid for the twin dollies. £50 bid. £60.
0:38:18 > 0:38:2170. 80. 80 I'm bid. 90.
0:38:21 > 0:38:24Are you going to bid £100? 100.
0:38:24 > 0:38:27£100 for the dollies, then.
0:38:27 > 0:38:30- That's good.- Excellent!
0:38:30 > 0:38:33We've rounded it up. Dee, are you happy?
0:38:33 > 0:38:38- £100.- Pleased to bits. Thank you. - So someone did love them.
0:38:38 > 0:38:44Next up, can Phil get his money back on his impulsive internet purchase, the claret jug?
0:38:44 > 0:38:49You haven't had it long. I know you only bought it recently.
0:38:49 > 0:38:53- You paid a fair amount.- I did, yeah. - On an auction site online. £450.
0:38:53 > 0:38:59- It's Georgian style.- It's lovely quality. Made by Garrard. - That's a top maker.
0:38:59 > 0:39:04- It's the name that will sell it. And the name attracted you.- Yes.
0:39:04 > 0:39:09- Let's find out if anyone here fancies it, shall we?- OK.
0:39:09 > 0:39:13A rather nice claret jug by Garrard and Co.
0:39:13 > 0:39:15Quality Street, this one.
0:39:15 > 0:39:21- Architecturally, it's very strong. - Yeah.- Stands well, good height.
0:39:21 > 0:39:26250 I am bid for it. Thank you. 260. 270. 300, he says.
0:39:26 > 0:39:28310. 320.
0:39:28 > 0:39:30330, is it? 330.
0:39:30 > 0:39:32- And 40 now.- Come on.
0:39:32 > 0:39:3550, sir? 350. 60 anywhere?
0:39:35 > 0:39:40350. 60 I'm bid for it. At 360. 70 now?
0:39:40 > 0:39:43At £360. It's going to be sold.
0:39:43 > 0:39:49- I'll sell it.- That's good. £360. - Thank you, sir. - The hammer's gone down.
0:39:49 > 0:39:54Not quite your money back, but you haven't suffered a great deal.
0:39:54 > 0:40:00- I've had a bit of fun. - Yeah, yeah, yeah. Don't push those buttons too eagerly in future.
0:40:00 > 0:40:03Go and view the thing if you can.
0:40:03 > 0:40:07And the jug's happy new owner is Alistair.
0:40:07 > 0:40:11It's such a beautiful object, I couldn't resist it.
0:40:11 > 0:40:18I'm looking forward to my next bottle of claret, which will be decanted carefully into the jug
0:40:18 > 0:40:23and I'll share it with friends. I'm sure they'll be delighted to see it.
0:40:23 > 0:40:26It's just a wonderful object.
0:40:26 > 0:40:32Let's hope the new owner of the coffee set is as pleased with their purchase. It's up next.
0:40:32 > 0:40:38Your coffee set got us all talking yesterday. Mind you, it got you talking at the valuation day.
0:40:38 > 0:40:42Ernest Barker, a great, great decorator for Royal Worcester.
0:40:42 > 0:40:47- I've not seen a complete coffee set with six robins on before.- No.
0:40:47 > 0:40:51So we came to the conclusion that it was a special commission.
0:40:51 > 0:40:54- I know Dad gifted this to you. - That's right.
0:40:54 > 0:40:58- Are you saving up for anything special?- To go to our wedding.
0:40:58 > 0:41:02- This will be a good contribution. - I hope so!
0:41:02 > 0:41:06- Well, I think we'll get that top end, anyway.- Hopefully.
0:41:06 > 0:41:11We're looking for £800. Let's see if we can get £1,000. We've got a wedding to pay for.
0:41:11 > 0:41:14The Royal Worcester coffee set.
0:41:14 > 0:41:17There it goes. The Royal Worcester coffee set.
0:41:17 > 0:41:22Shall we start at £800? Shall we start at 6? Yes. 600 bid.
0:41:22 > 0:41:24- We're in at 600.- 620 now.
0:41:24 > 0:41:27Yes? And 50. 680.
0:41:27 > 0:41:29700. Yes?
0:41:29 > 0:41:31720. 750.
0:41:31 > 0:41:34780. £800.
0:41:34 > 0:41:39- At 800. 820 now. - We've just gone through the top.
0:41:39 > 0:41:42Are you 900? Thank you. 920.
0:41:42 > 0:41:45- This is good.- 950. 1,000 he says. 1,000 is bid.
0:41:45 > 0:41:491,050. 1,050.
0:41:49 > 0:41:531,100 perhaps, madam? You like robins. 1,150.
0:41:53 > 0:41:561,200 is bid now. 1,300.
0:41:56 > 0:41:59At 1,350. 1,400?
0:41:59 > 0:42:01- Good, isn't it?- Brilliant!
0:42:01 > 0:42:041,550. Are you going to be 16?
0:42:04 > 0:42:06£1,600.
0:42:06 > 0:42:07And 50.
0:42:07 > 0:42:091,700.
0:42:09 > 0:42:13At £1,700. And 50. 1,800 now.
0:42:13 > 0:42:161,900 is bid for it. At 1,900.
0:42:16 > 0:42:21I don't know where you'll find another one. 1,950. At 1,950.
0:42:21 > 0:42:26- 2,000 perhaps? Fill it up.- Were you expecting something like this?
0:42:27 > 0:42:32- No. A lot of the valuations are low. - 2,050 I'm bid now.
0:42:32 > 0:42:35At £2,050.
0:42:35 > 0:42:38- At £2,050.- It's in the room.
0:42:38 > 0:42:40I'm selling, then, at £2,050.
0:42:40 > 0:42:46- Well done, well done.- Brilliant. - Chrissy, what a result! £2,050!
0:42:46 > 0:42:52That'll go a long way towards the wedding. We know your fiance is here watching this.
0:42:52 > 0:42:58- I expect you're pleased you didn't use it now.- Most definitely! - Is this your first auction?- Yes.
0:42:58 > 0:43:02What a high to go out on! And what a high for us as well.
0:43:02 > 0:43:09We weren't expecting anything like that. What a way to end the show, Thomas. Can you add to that?
0:43:09 > 0:43:13It was a fantastic piece of quality porcelain.
0:43:13 > 0:43:18Yeah. Quality always sells. See you next time for more surprises. Bye-bye for now.
0:43:35 > 0:43:37Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd