Curators were left for words after priceless gold artefacts dating back 3,000 years to the Bronze Age were brazenly stolen from the highly regarded Ely Museum during a recent break-in. Among the stolen treasures are a striking gold torc and an intricately crafted gold bracelet, both sought after for their local historical significance and cultural value.
The torc, a symbol of prestige and power in ancient times, was acquired by the museum in 2017 through a collaborative effort involving grants and community donations, underscoring the profound loss felt by both the institution and the local heritage community. A museum curator, Elie Hughes expressed profound dismay, describing the theft as a “huge blow” following the unwavering support received during the torc’s acquisition.
In a poignant statement, Hughes lamented the irreplaceable nature of the stolen artefacts, emphasizing their intrinsic value as custodians of history. Despite the setback, Hughes reaffirmed the museum’s unwavering commitment and determination to collaborate with law enforcement authorities to facilitate the swift recovery of the stolen items, instilling a sense of hope and confidence in the audience.
The gold torc and bracelet, unearthed by diligent metal detectorists in the East Cambridgeshire region, are esteemed for their rarity and craftsmanship. The torc, discovered in a ploughed field, stands out as a remarkable specimen, surpassing typical examples in size and purity with its impressive composition of 730g (1lb 10oz) of nearly pure gold.
Det Insp Kiri Mazur of the Cambridgeshire Police condemned the “despicable” theft, vowing to pursue all leads in the ongoing investigation. With a focused determination to apprehend the perpetrators and restore the stolen artefacts to their rightful place, Mazur reassured the public about the thoroughness of the investigation, urging members of the public to come forward with any pertinent information and thereby instilling a sense of security and trust in the law enforcement.
Other high-profile cultural heists, including the audacious theft of Maurizio Cattelan’s solid gold toilet from Blenheim Palace in 2019. The toilet, aptly named “America,” was famously stolen just days after its installation, highlighting the vulnerability of artworks to theft, even in seemingly secure environments.
Additionally, the UK has seen its share of museum thefts, such as the notorious 2012 burglary at the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge. In that incident, Chinese artefacts, including precious jade and gold items, were stolen, leaving a significant void in the museum’s collection. The ongoing British Museum ‘inside job’ saga is another example of how security must be tightened in all public institutions.
As authorities intensify their efforts to apprehend the culprits, the community remains united in safeguarding the invaluable treasures that are tangible links to our collective past. In the wake of this brave act, the Ely Museum remains unwavering in its mission to preserve and protect the cultural heritage of generations past for the benefit of generations to come.
PHOTO: COURTESY TRUSTEES OF THE BRITISH MUSEUM