Metal detector fears at unmarked grave

The owners of a listed building in Shropshire are terrified trespassing metal detectors will dig up the grave of a previous owner buried in the grounds.

Hazel Barratt bought Grade II listed Ludford Manor three years ago, following the death of David Nicholson aged 81. She said that over the last three weeks people have been entering the grounds at night and digging up holes. She said she believes treasure seekers are to blame.

Mrs Barratt said she and other residents who live and work on the estate have tried keeping watch and have even taken action by notifying the police about the incidents.

But she now fears waking up one day and finding Mr Nicholson's unmarked grave has been unearthed.

Head gardener Ralph Beardmore was friends with the late Mr Nicholson and had worked along with him on the estate since 1983.

He said: "He and his wife Toni were very happy here and when she died, her ashes were buried on the front lawn.

"Later, when he followed, he wanted to be buried in the grounds in his favourite spot, overlooking the house.

"The metal detectors have come so near to unearthing the grave and the ashes because there are metal pins and handles on the coffin which will set the detectors off," Mr Beardmore said.

"Mr Nicholson was a very private man and he would be quite appalled at what's going on and very upset if his grave was disturbed.

"I'm really annoyed because these gardens are unspoilt and to have great big holes dug by trespassers is awful.

"If anyone unearthed the grave I'd be really upset."

Mrs Barratt, said people had asked her if they could metal detect before, but she had refused because she believes in preserving history.

She said: "If anyone found anything it would be virtually worthless because they are stealing it from my land.

"They wouldn't be able to say where it had come from.

"We are a 'grab it now generation' and I don't want people coming here and taking things piece by piece.

"One day this whole area will be excavated and we should leave some history for our grandchildren.

"These people are stealing and if they desecrated a grave it would be dreadful," she added.

Sergeant John Evans, from Ludlow police station, said officers had received a report of trespassing.

But he said that unless theft or criminal damage was involved, it remained a civil matter.