One of the most treasured items in the National Trust collection has been lifted through the roof at Coughton Court in Warwickshire - thanks to a crane.

The Tabula Eliensis has remained in the tower at the top of a winding staircase for nearly 70 years unable to be moved due to its size and delicate condition, until the Through the Roof project provided a "once in a lifetime opportunity" to lift this treasured painted cloth through an opening in the soon-to-be-repaired roof.

Protected by a bespoke crate, the large painted cloth measuring 2.3m x 2.6m, was craned out by fine art handlers with the support of National Trust's conservation team.

Re-discovered in a roof-space at Coughton Court in the early 1900s, the 16th century Tabula Eliensis has been displayed in the tower since the mid-1950s.

An incredibly rare survival, this Elizabethan painted cloth records a history of Ely covering nearly 1,000 years.

It was created in 1596 (image via National Trust)

It was protected by a bespoke crate during the move (image via National Trust)

Created in 1596, it speaks to a turbulent period in English history, when Elizabeth I repeatedly faced imminent invasion from the Catholic Philip II of Spain.

The Tabula Eliensis presents the coats of arms of the Catholic knights and gentlemen interned at Ely, Broughton and Banbury between 1588 and 1594.

It shows the arms of Thomas Throckmorton of Coughton Court, who was held at Broughton in 1590 and 1592-3 and Banbury in 1594.

Safely freed from the tower, it will now undergo conservation treatment, technical examination and research before returning to Coughton Court.

The 16th century Tabula Eliensis has been displayed in the tower since the mid-1950s (image via National Trust)

Project manager, Aimee Tavana said: "The chance to free the Tabula Eliensis from the Tower showroom is exciting.

"With the removal of the roof, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to move the Tabula Eliensis from where it has been marooned for almost 70 years, to facilitate its care and future re-display in an area of the property that is more easily accessible to all."

She continued: "We have been able to work with several highly skilled and specialist contractors, which has made the 7am start times worth it! We're very pleased to be able to ensure the Tabula Eliensis can be protected and enjoyed by our visitors for generations to come."

Coughton Court has been the home of the Throckmorton family since 1409. 

(image via National Trust)

The Elizabethan painted cloth records a history of Ely covering nearly 1,000 years(image via National Trust)

John de Throckmorton, Under Treasurer of England to Henry VI, acquired Coughton in the early 15th century through his marriage to Eleanor de Spiney.

Their descendants have held it for 600 years and although the National Trust have owned the house since 1946, the family still live there.

The present resident, Mr Magnus Birch-Throckmorton, and his family enjoy occupancy of the house and manage the stunning gardens which they have created.

Through the Roof: FuturepROOFing Coughton Court is a multiple year project running until 2025.

It will see key sections of the roof conserved, along with essential conservation works across the fabric of the property, to ensure it can continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.

This is the biggest conservation investment by the National Trust at Coughton Court with the project being funded by the charity's members, supporters and donors with grant funding donated by The Wolfson Foundation.

The house remains open to visitors throughout the project.

More information is available here.

The artefact was found in a roof space at the property in the 1950's (image via National Trust)