During 1750, Walpole sent "one Asciotti" to Flanders to acquire stained glass for him, and he returned with 450 pieces. Mann was instantly informed, "I have got an immense cargo of painted glass from Flanders: indeed several of the pieces are Flemish arms; but I call them the achievements of the old Counts of Strawberry. Adieu!" Although the majority of the pieces were purchased from abroad, others were gifts from friends. Still other examples were "acquired" by Walpole during his tours with Chute to visit ruined castles and abbeys in adjacent counties.