Vampire-slaying kit sold for £7,500

A vampire-slaying kit, which comes complete with a mallet and stakes, has been bought by the Royal Armouries museum in Leeds for £7,500 - more than three times its estimated value.

The set, which attracted interest from across the globe, was made in the late 19th century to ward off vampires. It is thought to have been created after the rise in popularity of Bram Stoker’s 1887 novel ‘Dracula’. The set includes a crucifix, rosary beads, holy water, garlic and a crucifix.

Also housed in the box is a copy of the 1851 Book of Common Prayer, as well as a handwritten extract from the Bible.

It reads: “But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me”.

The velvet lined box was auctioned on behalf of a Yorkshire woman, who received the set in her uncle’s will. The Royal Armouries intend to display the item box at the Clarence Dock museum later this year.

“These kits are often said to have been made as novelties in the Victorian period, but research shows they are later than this,” said Jonathan Ferguson, curator of firearms at the Royal Armouries. “We've yet to establish a firm date for our kit, but we know it will attract a lot of interest from our museum visitors."