0:00:08 > 0:00:14Today we're in the Chiltern Hills in a town that can lay claim to be the home of English theatre.
0:00:14 > 0:00:16Welcome to Flog It from Dunstable.
0:00:41 > 0:00:45"All the world's a stage and all the men and women merely players."
0:00:45 > 0:00:49Shakespeare's words are true at Dunstable Priory.
0:00:49 > 0:00:55It was on this piece of grass that the first play ever written in English was performed,
0:00:55 > 0:01:03also in English. It was penned in the 12th century about the martyrdom of St Catherine.
0:01:03 > 0:01:09I'll be coming back here later to learn more about this priory and its unique place in our history.
0:01:09 > 0:01:15- So Henry definitely made his mark on Dunstable.- Very much so, for good or ill.
0:01:15 > 0:01:19But it's not here the crowds are gathering today.
0:01:21 > 0:01:29It's here at Whipsnade Zoo to see a very different show with Michael Baggott and Thomas Plant.
0:01:29 > 0:01:33It's time to raise the curtain and start Act One.
0:01:35 > 0:01:42So as everyone takes their seats we've got plenty of antiques and collectibles to look through.
0:01:44 > 0:01:50But it's Michael who is first to take centre stage with a really exciting find.
0:01:50 > 0:01:55Carol, thank you for bringing in this small metal disc today.
0:01:55 > 0:01:59Before I tell you about it, what can you tell me?
0:01:59 > 0:02:05Not very much, I'm afraid. When my mother-in-law died, it was found in a box with other items.
0:02:05 > 0:02:08It's just stayed in the box.
0:02:08 > 0:02:15- What were the bits and pieces with it? Coins and medals?- No, they were more religious items.
0:02:15 > 0:02:22It's probably the nicest thing I've ever seen on a Flog It valuation day.
0:02:22 > 0:02:27It's a very fine, very early Dutch wedding medal.
0:02:27 > 0:02:30- What we've got is a silver disc. - Silver?
0:02:30 > 0:02:37It is. It's not marked, but that's not unusual. It's superbly engraved with the wedding couple.
0:02:37 > 0:02:41- Oh, right.- So you've got them here in this hallway,
0:02:41 > 0:02:45in this classical hallway. you've got a checkerboard floor,
0:02:45 > 0:02:50you've got little cherubs here, parting the clouds with a wreath.
0:02:50 > 0:02:56And rays of sunlight coming down on their union. A blessing from heaven.
0:02:56 > 0:03:03The lovely thing is if we turn it round, probably the explanation of why it was with religious items
0:03:03 > 0:03:08- is we've got a scene there that is the wedding at Cana.- Oh, right.
0:03:08 > 0:03:12That relates to it being a wedding medal.
0:03:12 > 0:03:16Very difficult to pin an exact date on it, but I would say
0:03:16 > 0:03:23- anywhere from about 1650 up to 1700. - Really?- So, Carol, any idea of how much it's worth?
0:03:23 > 0:03:26About £75?
0:03:26 > 0:03:29It's only a little bit of silver, isn't it?
0:03:29 > 0:03:36I think I'd be remiss in putting it into the auction with a reserve less than £500.
0:03:37 > 0:03:39I think we'll set that as a reserve.
0:03:39 > 0:03:44- Really?- And we'll put £500-£800 as an estimate.
0:03:44 > 0:03:49- I wasn't going to bring it in.- Don't say that, Carol! Don't say that.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52It is a gem and a delight.
0:03:52 > 0:03:56It will, I think, by far be the finest silver in the sale.
0:03:56 > 0:04:02- Thank you so much for bringing it in. Let's hope it does really well for you.- Thank you.
0:04:09 > 0:04:13Margaret, I think I've found something really quite delightful.
0:04:13 > 0:04:17I must admit, I'm quite attached to them!
0:04:17 > 0:04:22- So tell me about them. - They were a gift to my partner from his brother.
0:04:22 > 0:04:27- His brother actually made them. - Where was he from?- Oh, Germany.
0:04:27 > 0:04:31- When do you think these were made? - Probably 30, 35 years ago.
0:04:31 > 0:04:35- Mid-'70s.- Yes.- And they look very '70s. Retro cool.
0:04:35 > 0:04:39- I put it more sort of Art Deco style. - Yes, I know what you're thinking.
0:04:39 > 0:04:43They're geometric with the offset of the pearl,
0:04:43 > 0:04:47but I think it's more Modernist retro style, post-modern.
0:04:47 > 0:04:51In my opinion, these look brilliant.
0:04:51 > 0:04:55- Have you seen these markings?- Yes. - 833, it says. Doesn't it?
0:04:55 > 0:04:58That's the German gold mark.
0:04:58 > 0:05:02833 means 833 parts of gold
0:05:02 > 0:05:05to every 1,000 parts of metal.
0:05:05 > 0:05:11- But don't they look handsome?- Yes. - Unfortunately, rules are rules and I can't bid at the auction.
0:05:11 > 0:05:15- That's a shame! - It is a huge shame!
0:05:15 > 0:05:20- Why are you selling them?- They're knocking around in a jewellery box.
0:05:20 > 0:05:26I have no children to leave them to. Let's see if I can make money to put towards a Christmas holiday
0:05:26 > 0:05:29- in Cyprus.- In Cyprus?- Yes.
0:05:29 > 0:05:34- Well, I think we might get you there a little bit. £200-worth.- Yes?
0:05:34 > 0:05:40And hopefully a bit more, but £200-£300 is a sensible estimate.
0:05:40 > 0:05:44- As regards a reserve, which we should have...- I think so.
0:05:44 > 0:05:49- I think £200 discretion is sensible. - Yes, I agree.- Brilliant.
0:05:49 > 0:05:54- I'm now going to take them off and put those into the auction. - Thank you.
0:06:00 > 0:06:04Peter, thank you for bringing this pocketbook. How did you get it?
0:06:04 > 0:06:09People throw out boxes of rubbish when they move.
0:06:09 > 0:06:12"That lot over there is junk."
0:06:12 > 0:06:17- And we used to sort through it. - And divvy it up. And you came up with this.
0:06:17 > 0:06:20A tiny little pocketbook. Gorgeous.
0:06:20 > 0:06:24It's quarter-bound in calf leather. Can you see that on the corners?
0:06:24 > 0:06:31This is known as marbleized card. The way they get this is with a shallow tray of water
0:06:31 > 0:06:33which they drop different inks into.
0:06:33 > 0:06:38That floats on the water. Then they lay their card on it
0:06:38 > 0:06:42and draw it up. And that's how you get the marbleized pattern.
0:06:42 > 0:06:48- Very clever, isn't it? How long have you had this?- About 40 years.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51That's what I love about this - that engraving.
0:06:51 > 0:06:56The book is The English Hero or Sir Francis Drake Revisited.
0:06:56 > 0:07:00Now he was THE English hero, wasn't he?
0:07:00 > 0:07:04- Look, isn't that gorgeous? This is a copper engraving.- Not wood?
0:07:04 > 0:07:12No, that's cut into a sheet of copper and then rolled with ink, then the paper is pressed on.
0:07:12 > 0:07:16That's a quality copper engraving that collectors look for.
0:07:16 > 0:07:19- Have you seen the date here? - Yes, 1716.
0:07:19 > 0:07:23It's printed, it says, in London. "Printed for Nathan Crouch
0:07:23 > 0:07:30"at the Bell against the Grocer's Alley in the Poultry, near Cheapside." So you can find it!
0:07:30 > 0:07:33That's where the printing press was!
0:07:33 > 0:07:36- A nice clear address.- Yeah. 1716.
0:07:36 > 0:07:42Of course, condition is all-important for book collectors.
0:07:42 > 0:07:44Looking at this...
0:07:44 > 0:07:49The pages are, unfortunately, slightly dog-eared and damaged at the front.
0:07:49 > 0:07:55There's another engraving. I'm looking to see how many. That's where the value is.
0:07:55 > 0:08:01I think there would have been an engraving at the back. That's missing. It was cut out.
0:08:01 > 0:08:05If this book was in good condition, given the subject matter as well,
0:08:05 > 0:08:10this book would be worth around about £300.
0:08:10 > 0:08:17- Not many books from that time... - Survive.- ..have survived in perfect condition. We could put a value
0:08:17 > 0:08:22of around about £50-£70. Put the reserve at 50.
0:08:22 > 0:08:26- Would you be happy to put it in? - Yeah.- You sure?- Yes.
0:08:26 > 0:08:28- See you at the auction.- Thank you.
0:08:35 > 0:08:39So, Di, you've brought along this tea service.
0:08:39 > 0:08:43- Tell me the story behind it. - I was given it when I was 4 or 5.
0:08:43 > 0:08:48My mother used to keep it under my father's wardrobe.
0:08:48 > 0:08:52Then, on a Sunday afternoon, we'd get it out and have tea.
0:08:52 > 0:08:56My mother made small cakes to put on the plates.
0:08:56 > 0:09:01Really? We'd better get this straight. First of all, it's a "Bes-wick" tea service.
0:09:01 > 0:09:07I've got to say it the correct way. It's a complete service, which is quite rare.
0:09:07 > 0:09:12We don't normally see them in this condition. If you look inside,
0:09:12 > 0:09:16the service is a little crazed, but it's not too bad at all.
0:09:16 > 0:09:24- Do you remember getting it? - Yes, for Christmas. I had to be very good to get it on a Sunday.
0:09:24 > 0:09:28- What's your favourite bit? - The plates.- They are pretty.
0:09:28 > 0:09:32They've got the leaping deer.
0:09:32 > 0:09:39Beswick has got quite a following. Because they're famous cartoon figures, transfer-printed,
0:09:39 > 0:09:43- that will also add kudos to the finished product.- Right.
0:09:43 > 0:09:45And it's cased as well.
0:09:45 > 0:09:49- Why are you selling it? - It's been in the loft for years.
0:09:49 > 0:09:56- I don't really use it and afternoon tea is not our thing. - It would be a little bit odd.
0:09:56 > 0:10:00- Little cups!- Exactly. - And little cakes!- Exactly.
0:10:00 > 0:10:07Now we're coming to valuation time. What do we believe it's going to make? Beswick, very popular.
0:10:07 > 0:10:11Famous cartoon characters, very popular. Bad box brings it down,
0:10:11 > 0:10:18- but I still believe it'll make £60-£80.- Really? - What do you think?- Not bad at all.
0:10:18 > 0:10:25- That's more than I thought! - I think we should do that for you. - Right.- As regards to reserve,
0:10:25 > 0:10:28- I would suggest £40.- OK.
0:10:28 > 0:10:35- Happy with that?- Yes, happy. - Great. We'll put that in for you. - Lovely. I'll look forward to it.
0:10:40 > 0:10:45We're having a great time here, but it's time for Act Two
0:10:45 > 0:10:49as we make our way to the auction room to test those valuations.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52Here's a quick rundown of the items.
0:10:52 > 0:10:59Carol was in two minds whether to bring her Dutch silver wedding medal, but it made Michael's day.
0:10:59 > 0:11:06That's probably the nicest thing I've ever seen on a Flog It valuation day.
0:11:06 > 0:11:12They've just been lying in a drawer, so Margaret wants to swap her German gold and pearl cufflinks
0:11:12 > 0:11:15for a holiday.
0:11:15 > 0:11:21I loved this 18th-century leather-bound copy of The English Hero, rescued from the rubbish.
0:11:21 > 0:11:27Let's hope it finds a more suitable home. And Di has fond memories of her Beswick child's tea set
0:11:27 > 0:11:30used on high days and holidays.
0:11:30 > 0:11:35I had to be very good to have it out on a Sunday.
0:11:39 > 0:11:43That's what we hope to sell and this is where the drama unfolds.
0:11:43 > 0:11:48Tring Market Auctions. Let's take our places before the action starts.
0:11:51 > 0:11:57Directing proceedings today is auctioneer Stephen Hearn, and here comes our first lot.
0:11:59 > 0:12:05Just about to go under the hammer is a Beswick tea set that belongs to Di. We've got £40-£60 on this.
0:12:05 > 0:12:12- You've had this since you were 4 or 5. That's a long time.- It is. - Why do you want to sell it?
0:12:12 > 0:12:19- You never use it?- No. It's in the loft.- Thomas, will we get that top end?- It's a famous name.
0:12:19 > 0:12:26- It's got great cartoon characters. It should do well.- Fingers crossed. Let's see what the bidders think.
0:12:26 > 0:12:30We've got the 1950s Beswick Disneyland tea set.
0:12:30 > 0:12:32£100? £50? £40.
0:12:32 > 0:12:35- We're in.- £50. £60. 70.
0:12:35 > 0:12:38- £80.- There's two or three.- £90.
0:12:38 > 0:12:42£100. 110.
0:12:42 > 0:12:45120. 130.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48140?
0:12:48 > 0:12:52- No?- 130 we're on now.
0:12:52 > 0:12:55- 1...- Yes! 140.
0:12:55 > 0:12:56160.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59Your bid, sir.
0:12:59 > 0:13:03I'll sell on my left for £160. Yes.
0:13:03 > 0:13:08- Yes! The hammer's gone down. They loved it. £160, Di!- Really good!
0:13:08 > 0:13:14- Was that a "come and buy me"? Or was it the right people?- Yes.
0:13:14 > 0:13:18- You've got to be happy with that. - Ecstatic!- You can treat yourself.
0:13:18 > 0:13:23It's my son's 21st coming up so money will go on that.
0:13:30 > 0:13:33Now it's my turn to be the expert.
0:13:33 > 0:13:37Next up is that pocketbook, first printed in 1716.
0:13:37 > 0:13:43It's a bit of quality, with some damage, but it's about Sir Francis Drake, The English Hero.
0:13:43 > 0:13:47Hopefully I can be Peter's hero. I put the value onto this.
0:13:47 > 0:13:53- I'm having my doubts, but you don't know with auctions. - No, never do.
0:13:53 > 0:14:00- I hope there's a few collectors here. We're going to find out.- Yep. - It's going under the hammer now.
0:14:00 > 0:14:05A little early 18th-century book. The English Hero, Sir Francis Drake.
0:14:05 > 0:14:09A nice pocketbook. What about £100 for it? 50.
0:14:09 > 0:14:12We're bid £50 for it. £60. £70.
0:14:12 > 0:14:16- Yes, it's gone.- £80. 90, perhaps? At £80.
0:14:16 > 0:14:1890 for you, sir. 90, is it?
0:14:18 > 0:14:22- They are interested.- I'm surprised.
0:14:22 > 0:14:24At £80. 90, anyone?
0:14:24 > 0:14:27Are you coming in? If not, we close.
0:14:27 > 0:14:31At £80. Are you sure? Want to be 90? No.
0:14:31 > 0:14:34At 80, then, down it goes.
0:14:34 > 0:14:38Yes! The hammer's gone down. £80. Gosh, I was getting hot there.
0:14:38 > 0:14:41- That's a great result, £80.- Yeah.
0:14:41 > 0:14:47There is commission to pay, but that's a good meal out, a little celebration?
0:14:47 > 0:14:53- I'm going to New Zealand next year, so that'll help towards the fare. - Good for you. Enjoy that holiday.
0:14:53 > 0:14:57- How long are you going for? - Three months.- Luxury!
0:15:04 > 0:15:11If you like retro, you'll love these. They're German cufflinks, Margaret's, and we've got £200-£300.
0:15:11 > 0:15:16- We have.- By our expert Thomas, who would love to have worn them!- Yes.
0:15:16 > 0:15:23- I was under the impression that cufflinks were definitely a thing of the past.- No.
0:15:23 > 0:15:30- Everybody's wearing them. They're smashing and made by a member of the family?- My partner's brother.
0:15:30 > 0:15:36- Going under the hammer now. Good luck.- A pair of continental gold baroque pearl-set cufflinks.
0:15:36 > 0:15:40£200 for them? 200 or do we start at 100?
0:15:40 > 0:15:43Yes, we start at 100. 110. And 20.
0:15:43 > 0:15:45And 30. And 40.
0:15:45 > 0:15:49- 150. And 60. - Yes, we're getting there.
0:15:49 > 0:15:51170. And 80.
0:15:51 > 0:15:55At 190. 190. Are you going 200?
0:15:55 > 0:15:57200 we're bid now.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00At £200 for those. A bid of 10, is it?
0:16:00 > 0:16:03At 210. At 220.
0:16:03 > 0:16:05You're out. At 220, the room is out.
0:16:05 > 0:16:10220. I'm selling. At 220, make no mistake.
0:16:10 > 0:16:15It's going down. I sell, then, for £220. Thank you.
0:16:15 > 0:16:17That's good, that's good.
0:16:17 > 0:16:21Good estimate, Thomas. Thank you so much as well.
0:16:21 > 0:16:27Your niece is here for moral support. You've had a long day. Maybe you should treat her as well.
0:16:27 > 0:16:33- What will you put the money towards? - Oh, I don't think so!
0:16:33 > 0:16:40Now is Michael in for a treat with the silver wedding medal, his favourite ever Flog It find?
0:16:41 > 0:16:47Next up is that wonderful Dutch medal. Will it be a winner? We'll find out.
0:16:47 > 0:16:53- It's got a value of £500-£800, Carol. Now this you found in a box, didn't you?- Yes.
0:16:53 > 0:16:58- Of your mother's belongings. Were you surprised...- Absolutely. - ..at the value?
0:16:58 > 0:17:03I wasn't going to bring it and then when he said how much...
0:17:03 > 0:17:08I had to stop my eyes popping out of my head. It's a splendid thing.
0:17:08 > 0:17:15- Hopefully we've got one or two bidders.- A telephone bidder from Amsterdam would be ideal!
0:17:15 > 0:17:19- That's what we're looking for! - OK, this is it.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22A wedding token. 17th century.
0:17:22 > 0:17:27Do we start at 5? Do we start at 4? 3? I think so.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30£300, yes. 300 I'm bid for it.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33At £300 I'm bid. At £320.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36At £350. At £380.
0:17:36 > 0:17:39Are you 400? 400, I've got it now.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42£400 the bid. At £400.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45420 bid for it. At 420.
0:17:45 > 0:17:47450. 480.
0:17:47 > 0:17:51The room's out at 480. At 480 bid.
0:17:51 > 0:17:54£500 bid. At £500.
0:17:54 > 0:17:57500. 20, sir? 520.
0:17:57 > 0:18:01Perhaps even 50? 550 bid for it now.
0:18:01 > 0:18:06550 I am bid for it. 580 I am bid for it. Am I?
0:18:06 > 0:18:10- Can you see the bidding?- No! - Nor can I!
0:18:10 > 0:18:13Secret bidding, nods and winks.
0:18:13 > 0:18:1620, sir? At 620.
0:18:16 > 0:18:20- And 50, is it? At 650. - This is good.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23You're travelling well. 680.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26- At 680. 700 now. 700 is bid.- Wow.
0:18:26 > 0:18:29At 700. Is that it?
0:18:29 > 0:18:32At £700, then. I'm going to sell it.
0:18:32 > 0:18:37It's going away, I'm afraid. I'm selling away from the room.
0:18:37 > 0:18:41It's going to be sold. Do I sell at £700?
0:18:41 > 0:18:46Well done, Carol's mum. That's all I can say. Good on her.
0:18:46 > 0:18:51And on you for hanging on to it. You know what we get like.
0:18:51 > 0:18:57- You rummage through and chuck things away.- If you hadn't brought it into an auction
0:18:57 > 0:19:03and someone recognised it for what it was, it would have been £20.
0:19:03 > 0:19:09What a great result for Carol. And there are still plenty more smiles to come.
0:19:10 > 0:19:12We're loving this.
0:19:12 > 0:19:14I am very, very happy.
0:19:14 > 0:19:19Before all that, I'm off to find out about a right royal drama.
0:19:34 > 0:19:38This church is all that is left of Dunstable's medieval priory.
0:19:38 > 0:19:44It's a wonderful mixture of architectural styles, but that's not what I'm here to see today.
0:19:44 > 0:19:50From its humble beginnings, it has carved out a unique place in English history.
0:19:50 > 0:19:56It marked the beginning of a religious revolution and signalled a literary milestone.
0:19:57 > 0:20:01Dunstable Priory was founded in 1131 by Henry I
0:20:01 > 0:20:04and it took 80 years to complete.
0:20:04 > 0:20:12It was part of a widespread church building programme and quickly became an integral part of the town.
0:20:15 > 0:20:21Over the years, the priory slowly established its importance within the realm.
0:20:21 > 0:20:27However, it was the events surrounding the end of two very different royal marriages
0:20:27 > 0:20:33that helped seal this church's place in history, events depicted in these windows.
0:20:42 > 0:20:47In the royal window, you see the body of Eleanor, laid out here,
0:20:47 > 0:20:52on her final journey from Lincoln to Westminster Abbey in 1290.
0:20:52 > 0:20:57You can see Edward kneeling just there beside her.
0:20:57 > 0:21:03Above her coat of arms are the initials of the king and queen, linked with a lovers' knot.
0:21:03 > 0:21:09But we have to fast forward more than 200 years after Eleanor to the turbulent reign of Henry VIII
0:21:09 > 0:21:16for this priory's defining moment, which is hinted at in this window. The lovers' knot is now broken.
0:21:20 > 0:21:26And that break illustrates Henry's divorce, or the annulment of his marriage, from Catherine of Aragon,
0:21:26 > 0:21:31which was finalised here in the priory's Lady's Chapel -
0:21:31 > 0:21:37a turning point in English history, which led to reformation of the church and eventual dissolution
0:21:37 > 0:21:41of the priory, along with most other religious houses in England.
0:21:43 > 0:21:50I've come to meet local historian Hugh Garrod to learn more about the priory's pivotal role.
0:21:50 > 0:21:56- Why did Henry want the annulment? - He wanted it because he was desperate to have a male heir.
0:21:56 > 0:22:01Catherine had many miscarriages. Their only son died at two months.
0:22:01 > 0:22:06The only surviving child was a daughter called Mary, later queen.
0:22:06 > 0:22:12- He was sure that God was punishing him for marrying his brother's widow. - Right.
0:22:12 > 0:22:16- Also, he thought that Anne Boleyn would oblige him with a son.- Yes.
0:22:16 > 0:22:23- So that was why he wanted this settled.- Why did the annulment happen here in Dunstable
0:22:23 > 0:22:29- and not in London and Rome? - If it happened in Rome, he knew the Pope would influence the outcome.
0:22:29 > 0:22:36In London, the people would be very upset. They liked their queen and were very fond of Catherine.
0:22:36 > 0:22:40- So it had to happen somewhere in-between.- Not to cause a big fuss.
0:22:40 > 0:22:44- Somewhere nice, quiet and peaceful. - So what happened?
0:22:44 > 0:22:48The Court of Annulment was called here. Archbishop Thomas Cranmer came
0:22:48 > 0:22:55and many of the bishops and legal people of the day. They met in the Lady Chapel in 1533.
0:22:55 > 0:23:00They spent a week discussing the pros and cons of it, but I think it was a foregone conclusion.
0:23:00 > 0:23:05If they sided with the King, the Pope would excommunicate them.
0:23:05 > 0:23:10- If they sided with the Pope, the King would have them beheaded. No contest.- No!
0:23:10 > 0:23:17- And was the significance far-ranging?- Yes, it had long-term implications for the church.
0:23:17 > 0:23:22I'm sure that Henry himself was a Catholic until the day he died.
0:23:22 > 0:23:26He wanted to be head of the English Catholic church and break from Rome,
0:23:26 > 0:23:33but the long-term significance was that it led to the Reformation and establishing the Protestant church.
0:23:33 > 0:23:37So how did the church survive, attached as it was to the priory?
0:23:37 > 0:23:42That's a very interesting question. It's all to do with the roof.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54At the end of the 15th century,
0:23:54 > 0:23:59the wealthy families of Dunstable formed a fraternity, the Fraternity of St John.
0:23:59 > 0:24:05They were responsible for the upkeep of the roof. So they took the roof off and lowered it
0:24:05 > 0:24:11to a manageable level. So at the time of the dissolution, Henry VIII's men came
0:24:11 > 0:24:16to take the roof off everything, which was the standard practice,
0:24:16 > 0:24:22and the locals said, "You can't. Our parents and grandparents paid for this."
0:24:22 > 0:24:24This is why it was left.
0:24:24 > 0:24:30- A lovely story. So Henry definitely made his mark on Dunstable.- He did. Very much so, for good or ill.
0:24:31 > 0:24:38But it was his Catholic daughter Mary who was to leave a more lasting impression on this church.
0:24:40 > 0:24:45This is a Marian screen, which was put here in about 1555.
0:24:45 > 0:24:49Mary is now Queen. She remembers what happened here.
0:24:49 > 0:24:56- This is where her mother's marriage was annulled and she was declared illegitimate.- So she's upset.- Yes.
0:24:56 > 0:24:58She's going to have her say.
0:24:58 > 0:25:03- How is this her comment?- The symbols are across these pillars.
0:25:03 > 0:25:08- We have the fleur de lis... - That's Catholic.- A Catholic symbol.
0:25:08 > 0:25:12We have the pomegranate, her mother's symbol and, on the end,
0:25:12 > 0:25:16the double-headed eagle was the symbol of the Pope.
0:25:16 > 0:25:20Was it just this small screen or did it go right along?
0:25:20 > 0:25:27- It originally went all the way across the church.- So it was in your face. - It was.- It was a big statement.
0:25:27 > 0:25:31This is all we've got left of it.
0:25:35 > 0:25:39The priory certainly had a turbulent time in the Tudor times.
0:25:39 > 0:25:45- Any other notable moments in history?- We had our problems during the English Civil War.
0:25:45 > 0:25:50It wasn't Catholics and Protestants. It was Roundheads and Cavaliers.
0:25:50 > 0:25:54- What was Dunstable? - On the side of the Roundheads.
0:25:54 > 0:26:00Neighbouring Buckinghamshire was for the Cavaliers. One Sunday in 1644,
0:26:00 > 0:26:04a detachment of royal soldiers came with their pistols and stormed it,
0:26:04 > 0:26:10- took potshots at the rector... - Did he survive?- Yes. And the congregation. Nobody was hurt.
0:26:10 > 0:26:17- That was lucky!- We have the bullet holes. But the first claim to fame of the priory is outside.
0:26:17 > 0:26:19It's of a literary nature.
0:26:19 > 0:26:24- This is about where the cloisters would have been originally.- OK.
0:26:24 > 0:26:30And it was here in the early days of the priory that Geoffrey de Gorham put on a play
0:26:30 > 0:26:38about the martyrdom of St Catherine, the first play in vernacular English that we know of in England.
0:26:38 > 0:26:44- Another first for Dunstable. - Hugh, thank you so much for sharing your knowledge.
0:26:44 > 0:26:47- It's well worth a visit, definitely. - Thank you.
0:26:49 > 0:26:53So although the priory no longer exists, this place is home
0:26:53 > 0:27:00not only to a first in English literary history, but also the beginning of the Reformation.
0:27:00 > 0:27:04Who would have thought this unassuming church
0:27:04 > 0:27:09would have played such a pivotal role in our past?
0:27:13 > 0:27:17Back at the zoo, the animals enjoy a lazy day in the sun,
0:27:17 > 0:27:22but with plenty of antiques still to see, there's no rest for Michael.
0:27:24 > 0:27:29Brian, thank you for bringing along this very interesting painting, even though it's distressed.
0:27:29 > 0:27:35- Can you tell me where you got it? - Yes, my father-in-law passed away a few years ago.
0:27:35 > 0:27:40He got it from an auction, I believe, from a restaurant in London.
0:27:40 > 0:27:44- Oh!- As far as I know, that's the original frame.
0:27:44 > 0:27:48Well, it's what might be termed a furnishing picture.
0:27:48 > 0:27:54No tremendous artistic merit to it, so we'll stick it in a big, decorative frame
0:27:54 > 0:28:00and someone, probably at the restaurant at the time, has gone over it with the gold spray paint!
0:28:00 > 0:28:04- I don't know. - So you get this peculiar finish.
0:28:04 > 0:28:08Sadly, I think, when they spray-painted the frame,
0:28:08 > 0:28:12they also tried to clean the picture.
0:28:12 > 0:28:18- Right.- And what we've got, actually, is an oil on board, an oak board.
0:28:18 > 0:28:22- If we turn it round, we've got a single oak panel there.- Right.
0:28:22 > 0:28:27It's beautifully hewn, pared down to a thickness,
0:28:27 > 0:28:33then chamfered at the edge so it doesn't split. However, at some point it has split!
0:28:33 > 0:28:37If we have a look at the front of it...
0:28:38 > 0:28:43We've got three gentlemen in 17th-century costume -
0:28:43 > 0:28:49two on horseback and one, unfortunately, the horse has given up the ghost.
0:28:49 > 0:28:55- The costumes are round about the correct date for the picture. - Which is?- This would be painted
0:28:55 > 0:28:59towards the end of the 17th and beginning of the 18th century.
0:28:59 > 0:29:05- So, broadly speaking, 1650 to 1700, 1710.- Oh, right.
0:29:05 > 0:29:08- OK.- As I say, it's got faults.
0:29:08 > 0:29:16It's got that big crack through it, it's been overcleaned at the top so much that the board shows through.
0:29:16 > 0:29:22- Cos this lower part isn't... as bad as the top, is it?- No. You've got half a good painting.
0:29:22 > 0:29:26- Any idea what the value would be? - Not really.- Well...
0:29:26 > 0:29:31In better condition, I could see it being several hundred or £1,000,
0:29:31 > 0:29:33but it does have its faults.
0:29:33 > 0:29:38- I think if we put it into the auction at £100-£200...- OK.
0:29:38 > 0:29:43And I'd suggest we put a reserve on it of 80. We'll see how it goes.
0:29:43 > 0:29:50- Paintings are very speculative things.- At a distance... - At a distance it's wonderful!
0:29:50 > 0:29:54- Depends what distance that is! - Four miles?- Four miles.
0:29:54 > 0:30:00- We'll put it into the sale for you and hope it does really well. - Fine. Thank you.
0:30:11 > 0:30:16You've brought along a Flog It favourite. A bit of Moorcroft.
0:30:16 > 0:30:24But Moorcroft with a slight twist. It's MacIntyre Moorcroft, which is the very early Moorcroft.
0:30:24 > 0:30:26How did you come to have it?
0:30:26 > 0:30:32It was acquired from my wife through her father passing away.
0:30:32 > 0:30:36- So it's an inheritance. - You thought it was 1950s?- Yes.
0:30:36 > 0:30:43- It's actually earlier than that. 1913.- Right.- This factory was taken over, the MacIntyre factory,
0:30:43 > 0:30:49by the Moorcroft family in 1913, when it became MacIntyre Moorcroft.
0:30:49 > 0:30:55- It's a gorgeous pattern, isn't it? - Yes.- Do you know what it is? - I believe it's a cornflower.
0:30:55 > 0:30:59- Absolutely.- Revived cornflower, because it's green, not blue.
0:30:59 > 0:31:03From the point of view of being green, it works very well.
0:31:03 > 0:31:10- It stands out.- It does. These reds, the very dark mauve on the cornflowers themselves.
0:31:10 > 0:31:16And this wonderful Art Nouveau frame. You can see the way the tube lining has been done.
0:31:16 > 0:31:21It's very fine, isn't it? What's quite unusual is the stand.
0:31:21 > 0:31:25We can see the marks on the stand. MacIntyre Moorcroft.
0:31:25 > 0:31:29It's just signed MacIntyre and Co, but the actual teapot itself
0:31:29 > 0:31:33has got the Moorcroft signature, which obviously adds value.
0:31:33 > 0:31:39The one problem is this crack here. Have you been doing some research into value?
0:31:39 > 0:31:41I had a look at the values.
0:31:41 > 0:31:47- Approximately £600-£800? - You're quite right. £600-£800 is very sensible.
0:31:47 > 0:31:51We'll fix a reserve at £600 and, yes, it could do better.
0:31:51 > 0:31:56But let's be conservative and look forward to a result.
0:31:56 > 0:32:01- If it were completely perfect we'd think of a different figure.- Yes.
0:32:07 > 0:32:12Everyone knows I love silver, so this is right up my street.
0:32:12 > 0:32:15So, Paul, how did you come by this?
0:32:15 > 0:32:20It was just passed down from my grandad. He died a few years ago.
0:32:20 > 0:32:22He used to collect everything.
0:32:22 > 0:32:25Carriage clocks, musical boxes...
0:32:25 > 0:32:29This was in part of his collection and given to me.
0:32:29 > 0:32:34- It's got this marvellous ship engraved on it.- I've got a letter
0:32:34 > 0:32:38- which just basically says a little bit...- Oh, marvellous.
0:32:38 > 0:32:43"Dear Sir, with reference to your letter, dated 5th December, 1971..."
0:32:43 > 0:32:49- 1971. So you weren't writing...? - I'd have written it in crayons.
0:32:49 > 0:32:56"The Bittersweet," which is this ship, "is a Corvette, belonging to the Royal Canadian Navy.
0:32:56 > 0:33:01"Launched on 12 September, 1940." We know that's absolutely right
0:33:01 > 0:33:08because there we have got Port of Quebec, September 12th, 1940.
0:33:08 > 0:33:13It's very unusual, during the Second World War,
0:33:13 > 0:33:19- for silver to be manufactured. - Oh, right.- In this country, there were restrictions.
0:33:19 > 0:33:26The same people that could make silver could be made to make munitions
0:33:26 > 0:33:28and components for the war effort.
0:33:28 > 0:33:34I think we need to turn it over and that will give us... Birks. Sterling.
0:33:34 > 0:33:38And we've got some punches here. Birks is one of the largest firms
0:33:38 > 0:33:41- of Canadian silversmiths.- Right.
0:33:41 > 0:33:47They weren't subject to the same restrictions that we were over here during WWII.
0:33:47 > 0:33:49It's a lovely tray
0:33:49 > 0:33:55and it's a super weight, but I think it's the engraving that really lifts it out of the ordinary.
0:33:55 > 0:33:59So why have you brought such a super thing in today?!
0:33:59 > 0:34:05I'd no idea of the value or much about it. I thought it was interesting and nice to bring along.
0:34:05 > 0:34:11It's pretty difficult to value. If it were an English silver tray of that size,
0:34:11 > 0:34:14it would probably be worth more.
0:34:14 > 0:34:19I think if we pitch it somewhere between £500 and £800...
0:34:19 > 0:34:24- Oh! Oh, right.- It's a big tray! You feel the weight of that.
0:34:24 > 0:34:27We'll put the reserve at £450 fixed.
0:34:27 > 0:34:34If we get a couple of telephone bidders from Canada, as this is our first piece of Canadian silver...!
0:34:34 > 0:34:40- Hopefully it will cause interest. It could do much more.- Fantastic. I'm absolutely amazed at that.
0:34:40 > 0:34:47- Thank you for bringing it in - A pleasure.- Well, that's it. Now it's all down to the bidders.
0:34:47 > 0:34:50Before we learn the fate of our items, here's a reminder.
0:34:50 > 0:34:56Sadly, overcleaning has damaged Brian's oil on board late-17th century painting,
0:34:56 > 0:35:00- but viewed the right way it still has merit.- At a distance.
0:35:00 > 0:35:05- Depends what distance that is! - About four miles!
0:35:05 > 0:35:12Paul knew nothing about the engraved 1940s Canadian silver tray he inherited from Grandfather,
0:35:12 > 0:35:18- but was pleasantly surprised. - Fantastic! I'm absolutely amazed. - Thank you for bringing it on.
0:35:18 > 0:35:22And Mike's early Moorcroft MacIntyre tea pot and stand was a real find
0:35:22 > 0:35:25and should attract the collectors.
0:35:25 > 0:35:30I just hope the damage to the lid doesn't put the bidders off.
0:35:30 > 0:35:33What does Stephen Hearn think?
0:35:33 > 0:35:40Quality. Real quality and a great name as well. Moorcroft. MacIntyre period, 1913-ish.
0:35:40 > 0:35:46Belongs to Mike. Thomas, our expert, has put £600-£800 on this.
0:35:46 > 0:35:51It was £600-£800, but the owners have moved it up to £800 reserve.
0:35:51 > 0:35:57- How do you feel?- It probably would have fetched nearer £1,000,
0:35:57 > 0:36:02- but I'm sure Tom took into account a nasty crack in the lid.- Yes.
0:36:02 > 0:36:06A nasty crack in the lid. I think his price was very fair.
0:36:06 > 0:36:10Now we've got to 800, it's not going to be that easy.
0:36:10 > 0:36:14- It's down to you now!- It's down to me, I'm afraid. Magic wand time.
0:36:14 > 0:36:20- Fingers crossed. You can do it. I know you can do it. - We will do our very best.
0:36:20 > 0:36:24But we'll just have to wait and see if Stephen can work his magic.
0:36:24 > 0:36:27First up is Brian's picture.
0:36:27 > 0:36:34Somebody in this saleroom has got a chance to buy something from the latter part of the 17th century.
0:36:34 > 0:36:38An oil on board. A lovely painting. Could it be the lost master?
0:36:38 > 0:36:44- We'll find out. It belongs to Brian. And you've brought the wife.- Jan. - Jan, hello. Is this yours?
0:36:44 > 0:36:51- It was my father's. - Do you like it?- No!- Because the purists will love this. Michael did.
0:36:51 > 0:36:57There's been a little overcleaning, which is the nightmare with early pictures. They get very black.
0:36:57 > 0:37:03- Then you lose the overpaint. - Could be that lost master.
0:37:05 > 0:37:08- Let's see what the auctioneer thinks.- Interesting.
0:37:08 > 0:37:12This oil painting. There's been a little interest. £100?
0:37:12 > 0:37:16Shall we star at £100? Yes, thank you.
0:37:16 > 0:37:18120 I am bid. 150 now.
0:37:18 > 0:37:20Are you 180? Yes.
0:37:20 > 0:37:24- It's got bids. - 200 is bid now.
0:37:24 > 0:37:27At 220. 250 are you?
0:37:27 > 0:37:30Yes? 280. £300.
0:37:30 > 0:37:34- At £300 on my right. £300. - They're loving this!
0:37:34 > 0:37:37£320? £300 on my right.
0:37:37 > 0:37:40- 310.- Fantastic.
0:37:40 > 0:37:43320, then? I'll take another tenner.
0:37:43 > 0:37:46No? At £310, I'm selling.
0:37:46 > 0:37:51It's going down, then, for £310. Thank you.
0:37:51 > 0:37:54Brilliant result. And well worth it.
0:37:54 > 0:37:58- You've got to be happy. - Well pleased.
0:37:58 > 0:38:00Quality, with a lot of age.
0:38:00 > 0:38:08- My dad will be pleased.- Why's that? - He was always trying to find something worth a lot for a bargain.
0:38:08 > 0:38:13To think we found that and someone thought it was worth something.
0:38:13 > 0:38:19- There's a bit of commission to pay, but enjoy spending the money. - Thanks.- Thank you.
0:38:28 > 0:38:34Now going under the hammer is a wonderful piece of quality. It's Moorcroft, a great name.
0:38:34 > 0:38:39A tea pot on a stand. An early one that belongs to Mike, but for how much longer?
0:38:39 > 0:38:45At the valuation day, Thomas gave you a valuation of £600-£800.
0:38:45 > 0:38:50- Now I know Mike's had a rethink. - Yeah.- He wasn't happy with the reserve at 600.
0:38:50 > 0:38:57- He's now upped it to £800. So that's our starting price now. - It's his. He can do what he wants.
0:38:57 > 0:39:00I had a chat to the auctioneer.
0:39:00 > 0:39:06He was umming and ahhing, "Oh, it might put a few off. There's damage to the lid."
0:39:06 > 0:39:10But we all know on a good day it is worth that £800,
0:39:10 > 0:39:16- even with the cracked lid. - You are right to protect it. It's attractive.
0:39:16 > 0:39:22- You don't want to give it away! - It's been in the family a long time. - Yes, it was my wife's mother's.
0:39:22 > 0:39:27- She bought it originally when it first came out.- This is it.
0:39:27 > 0:39:29MacIntyre Moorcroft teapot and stand.
0:39:29 > 0:39:33What about 500 for it? At £500.
0:39:33 > 0:39:37- Yes, I thank you. 500 is bid. - We're in.- For £500.
0:39:37 > 0:39:41£520 now for it. For £520.
0:39:41 > 0:39:44550 bid. 580.
0:39:44 > 0:39:49£600. £620. Important piece, you know.
0:39:49 > 0:39:53- Some serious collectors here. - I hope so.
0:39:53 > 0:39:55£700. And 20 now.
0:39:55 > 0:39:59£720 I'm bid. £750.
0:39:59 > 0:40:01£780.
0:40:01 > 0:40:05- £800. £820. - Phone's come in now.
0:40:05 > 0:40:07850, is it? £820.
0:40:07 > 0:40:10£850. £880.
0:40:10 > 0:40:13- 900, is it?- This is good.
0:40:13 > 0:40:15£900. 920.
0:40:15 > 0:40:19- 950?- Yes, I'm sure. 950.
0:40:19 > 0:40:22At 950 on my right. 950.
0:40:22 > 0:40:25950, I'm selling. Away from the room.
0:40:25 > 0:40:29It's going to be sold for £950, then. Thank you.
0:40:29 > 0:40:34Yes! 950. Well done, Mike. Well done, Thomas.
0:40:34 > 0:40:36That was good. Very good.
0:40:36 > 0:40:41- It was a lovely thing. Nice pattern, great colours.- Very rare.
0:40:41 > 0:40:47- Yeah, very rare. I'm pleased for you.- What's the money going to go towards, Mike?
0:40:47 > 0:40:50Towards my children's education.
0:40:50 > 0:40:57What a great result for Thomas. Will Michael be as lucky with the Canadian silver tray?
0:40:57 > 0:41:03Serving up right now a silver tray. Lots of weight and history. £500-£800. It belongs to Paul.
0:41:03 > 0:41:08- That is some hunk of silver.- It is. - Were you surprised at the value?
0:41:08 > 0:41:11- I was, I must admit. - It's a lot of money.
0:41:11 > 0:41:17- Also, it's the history.- It's not a lot for a large Canadian tray!
0:41:17 > 0:41:23You've got silver collectors and militaria collectors. Hopefully, a battle.
0:41:23 > 0:41:25It's going under the hammer.
0:41:25 > 0:41:29The two-handled tea tray. A rather grand piece.
0:41:29 > 0:41:32500 for it? 300 bid.
0:41:32 > 0:41:34At £300. 320.
0:41:34 > 0:41:37- And 50. At 350. And 80.- Come on!
0:41:37 > 0:41:40380. At £400. A bid of 420 now.
0:41:40 > 0:41:44At 420. 450 I am bid for it.
0:41:44 > 0:41:49480 we're bid now. 480. £500 I'm bid.
0:41:49 > 0:41:53520 I'm bid. At £520 I'm bid.
0:41:53 > 0:41:58- Bit of a war going on now. - At 520.
0:41:58 > 0:42:04I'll sell to sir. It's going. You're out? I sell at £520, then.
0:42:04 > 0:42:06Gone. 520.
0:42:06 > 0:42:09Hopefully it's gone to Canada.
0:42:09 > 0:42:12- Are you happy with that?- Very, very.
0:42:12 > 0:42:17- There's commission to pay. What will you put it towards? - I haven't thought.
0:42:17 > 0:42:22The other half will want to decorate the house. She can't stop doing it.
0:42:22 > 0:42:28- Well, it'll pay for something. - Certainly will!- You never stop when you start the house!
0:42:28 > 0:42:34Put a small battleship in the corner to remember it by and who paid for the paint.
0:42:42 > 0:42:49Sadly, we're coming to the end of the show. The auction's going on, but our owners have gone home happy.
0:42:49 > 0:42:54We've sold everything! Our experts were on the money today.
0:42:54 > 0:42:59I hope you've enjoyed the show. See you next time for more surprises on Flog It.
0:43:16 > 0:43:20Subtitles by Subtext for Red Bee Media Ltd - 2010
0:43:21 > 0:43:23Email subtitling@bbc.co.uk