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Historic newspaper edition to appear on Antiques Roadshow

An edition of a newspaper from 1849 which reported on a notorious double murder trial is set to appear on BBC1 programme the Antiques Roadshow.

Eastern Daily Press and Norwich Evening News reporter Martin George took an edition of the now-defunct Norwich Mercury along for valuation when the long-standing TV programme filmed in Norwich last week.

The paper reported on the trial of James Blomfield Rush who was brought to court and later executed after Isaac Jermy, the Recorder of Norwich, was shot at his country home and his son slain as he came to his aid, while two women were seriously wounded.

Martin took the paper from the Archant archives along with the original woodcut blocks used to print them, to the Sainsbury Centre in Norwich and was filmed for the programme, which is due to be aired later this year.

Antiques expert Marc Allum, right, evaluates the old newspaper brought to the Antiques Roadshow by reporter Martin George.

The items were examined by expert Marc Allum who said the newspaper was “absolutely staggering”, and sent Martin to prepare for filming.

In a story about the experience, Martin wrote: “Initially told to take a seat in an ‘invitation only’ section, I was ushered to an air-conditioned holding room where another form was completed, coffee and sandwiches were served, make-up to stop me shining in the sun was applied, and the three-hour wait to be filmed began.

“As the crew discussed how to film my wooden blocks and massive sheets of newspaper, the cluster of faces in the background, so familiar from the TV screen, appeared from nowhere to crowd around me.

“Marc led me gently through the unrehearsed interview, I stuttered and forgot the murderer’s name, and the audience murmured with interest as a story from another age was told again.

“And then it was over, a note was thrust into my hand, and I was told to expect a call before the piece is screened.

“So, what were the items worth? You will have to wait to find out. But needless to say, they are priceless to the EDP and won’t appear on eBay anytime soon.”