LEGAL ownership of a 17th century piece known as ‘Judge Jeffreys chair’ but probably never used by him, is expected be given to the Dorset County Museum.
County councillors are being asked to transfer the ownership to the museum which has had the chair on loan since 1907.
It has been said that the Judge used the chair at the ‘bloody assizes’ in Dorchester in the 1680s – although experts say it was made at least 50 years later than the Monmouth Rebellion.
An estimate of its value puts the chair at around £3,000, although it would be worth considerably more if it could be proven than it was used by the Judge.
Dorset County Council cabinet members are being asked to approve the full transfer of legal title to the museum provided it continues to abide with Arts Council Accreditation standards – meaning it should be retained ‘in perpetuity’ for public benefit.
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