Medals associated with the Battle of Waterloo accepted for the nation

More than seventy precious artefacts, including a rare surviving group of medals and insignia associated with a key participant of the Battle of Waterloo, have been accepted for the nation in lieu of inheritance tax, Wales’ Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Ken Skates, has announced today [5 April 2016].

The collection of 72 items, formally known as ‘chattels’,  includes 35 paintings, 13 pieces or sets of furniture, two clocks, two busts, three items or pairs of ceramics and two groups of medals.

They have been accepted by Welsh Ministers through the Acceptance in Lieu scheme from the estate of the 7th Marquess of Anglesey.

The Acceptance ensures continued public access to the remarkable collection, which is on display at The National Trust property Plas Newydd.

Welcoming the news, the Deputy Minister said: “This is a fascinating collection of objects and it is a pleasure to be able to accept them for the nation. This acceptance ensures that the visitor experience will continue to be a rich one, with the collections at Plas Newydd accessible for all to enjoy.”

Plas Newydd was gifted to The National Trust in 1976. The seventy two chattels and medals have a significant historical association with the house and this acceptance means the items can be permanently displayed at the property.

Justin Albert, National Trust Director for Wales said:

“The Trust is extremely grateful to the Anglesey family and Welsh Government for investing in the future security of the Plas Newydd collection and considering the benefit of the nation in proposing this offer, and we look forward to continuing the long-established and warm relationship with the Marquess of Anglesey.

“There is no doubt that visitors to National Trust properties gain special enjoyment from seeing objects in context and appreciating their association with family members. These pieces will now be able to continue giving this pleasure and enable visitors to connect with the Anglesey family, present and past.

“The collection being transferred  is of immense significance to Plas Newydd, both in securing its authentic family home presentation and in telling the story of its development from summer retreat to principal country seat, and the importance and influence of some of the major players in its past.”

The Acceptance in Lieu (AIL) scheme enables taxpayers to transfer works of art and important heritage objects, such as the Plas Newydd Chattels, into public ownership in full or part payment of their inheritance tax. In Wales, these items must be approved by the Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, who is advised by the Acceptance in Lieu UK Panel.

The panel consists of independent experts, who seek specialist advice on the object offered. The panel operates on behalf of the Welsh Government in Wales and co-ordinates with the Museums Archives and Libraries Division, in appropriate cases.

The  AIL Panel Chairman, Edward Harley said:

“The AIL Panel is delighted that this large collection of over 70 objects has been secured for the nation. It includes a rare surviving group of medals and insignia associated with Field Marshall Henry William Paget, 1st Marquess of Anglesey, Wellington’s second-in command at the battle of Waterloo.  The collection will remain at Plas Newyyd on Anglesey which was given to the National Trust by the 7th Marquess in 1976. Also included are paintings and furniture which are key elements of the decoration of the house which has an unrivalled location on the shores above the Menai Straits.”