Extremely rare 19th century Staffordshire model of the Red Barn at Polstead

Extremely rare early 19th century Staffordshire pearlware glazed model of the Red Barn at Polstead, polychrome painted, 19cm wide. NB: The Red Barn was the site of an infamous 19th century murder: In 1828 William Corder was convicted of murdering his lover Maria Marten. They had planned to meet at the Red Barn to elope, and letters which Corder sent to Maria's family for some time after insisted she was in good health, but a year later Maria's step-mother had a series of dreams which ultimately lead to Maria's body being discovered under the floor of the barn. Corder was duly tried, found guilty and hanged for the crime. The story was a media sensation, ballads, plays and books followed, including a newspaper account by Dickens. It has been reported that in 1828 alone, 200,000 tourists flocked to the site of the deadly deed in the tiny village of Polstead, and both the barn and Maria's cottage were stripped by souvenir hunters. The Staffordshire potters, always quick to latch on to figures and symbols of popular culture, produced a number of different models of the Red Barn, however they are now extremely scarce at auction.Condition Report Some glaze wear / small chips. Restoration to the male figure and some of the bocage at the top corners. Otherwise in good condition.