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Valuable 16th century silver stolen in church raid

The silver ewer would have been used for communion wine Credit: Cambs Police

Police are appealing for information after 16th century silverware worth about £90,000 was stolen from a church in South Cambridgeshire.

The theft took place at St Mary's Church in High Street, Fowlmere, between about midnight on May 29 and 1am on Sunday (June 13).

It is believed that the thieves entered the church during the day while it was open to the public, and took the antique silverware from a safe.

A silver saucer and an ewer were taken, along with a silver chalice and lid which was inscribed with 'For the Towen of Fowlmer 1569' and marked with a fish.

I would like to hear from anyone who recalls being in the area at the time and may have seen anything suspicious to come forward. The items were of significant value to the church, both in monetary and sentimental terms. "I would also appeal to anyone who may have been offered the items for sale to contact police."

– PC David Astley
The silver chalice bears the date 1569 Credit: Cambs Police