A CHANCE find on holiday has turned into a historic treasure for staff at the National Trust property Hanbury Hall, near Droitwich.

While enjoying a holiday in Devon, Mike Ward, a member of the North Worcestershire Association of the National Trust, spotted an old travelling writing case with many of its contents intact in an antique shop.

The case belonged to Sir Harry Foley Vernon, the penultimate member of the Vernon family to own Hanbury Hall, after inheriting it in 1859 following the death of his brother.

Mr Ward bought the case on behalf of the North Worcestershire Association and it was donated to the hall where it will remain on display.

"We are absolutely delighted with this amazing find," said Stewart Alcock, property manger at Hanbury Hall.

"We are immensely grateful to Mr Ward and the association for bringing this piece of the Vernon family's history back to Hanbury Hall.

"As MP for East Worcestershire, Sir Harry would have done a great deal of travelling and I am sure he would have used the case in his many other roles as High Sheriff, Commandant of the Militia and as an eminent magistrate."

Sir Harry died in 1920 at the age of 86 leaving the hall to his eldest son Bowater George, later known as Sir George Vernon, who left the property to the National Trust in 1940.

It is not known how the writing came to be in Devon but it is now back at the hall and on display in the Cedar Bedroom.