National Trust site closes after break-in

A 16th Century manor house, owned by the National Trust, has been temporarily closed to visitors after a break-in.

The burglary was discovered at Baddesley Clinton, near Solihull, at about 01:50 BST on Thursday and police were investigating, the organisation said, although they did not reveal if anything was taken.

The house would remain closed while inquiries continued, a spokesperson for the National Trust said, although the gardens, parkland, cafe and shop remained open. They hope to reopen the house on Saturday.

Anyone with information about the break-in was urged contact Warwickshire Police while the trust apologised for any disappointment caused to visitors.

Reacting to the news on social media, people expressed their sadness at the break-in with one writing: "It's one of our favourites. Such a beautiful house. Hope what has been taken is found."

"This is such awful news. Hope nothing precious was taken," another posted.

Baddesley Clinton was home to the Ferrers family for about five centuries, with much of the moated manor house dating from the late 16th Century, the trust explained on their website.

The property is known for its priest holes and secret hiding places, which were used to shelter persecuted Catholics during the 1590s.

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