Katy Prickett,BBC News, Cambridgeshire
![Trustees of the British Museum A large Bronze Age torc made of twisted strands of gold held by white gloved hands in front of a black-clad torso](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/6850/live/48bdb9c0-17a9-11ef-b5cc-cb8b8c4cef5a.jpg.webp)
City residents have described the theft of two Bronze Age gold objects from their museum as “like being punched in the stomach or chest”.
The torc, which Ely Museum bought for £220,000 in 2017, and a bracelet were stolen during a break-in at the museum on 7 May, which triggered an alarm alerting the police.
Curator Elie Hughes said residents had shared with her a “very emotional response” to the loss of the items, both of which were discovered locally.
Cambridgeshire Police said its investigation is ongoing.
### Impact of the Theft
The theft of the Bronze Age gold objects from Ely Museum has deeply affected the local residents, eliciting emotional responses and a sense of personal loss. The stolen torc and bracelet, discovered locally, held significant historical and cultural value for the community.
### Importance of the Stolen Items
The stolen 3,000-year-old gold torc, weighing 730g, was a centerpiece of the museum and considered one of the most significant Bronze Age finds in England. Its uniqueness and pristine condition, due to gold not tarnishing, made it a standout exhibit, providing a “wow factor” to visitors.
### Community Engagement and Hope for Recovery
The curator, Elie Hughes, highlighted the strong community attachment to the stolen items and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to showcase them locally. The museum’s young curators, in response to the city’s 50th anniversary, organized an exhibition showcasing Ely’s rich history and evolution.
### Historical Significance and Future Prospects
The stolen torc, discovered by a metal detectorist in 2015, represents a piece of Ely’s unique history that might have otherwise been housed in a national museum. Despite the theft, there is optimism and a collective hope to recover and reunite the items with the museum for continued public appreciation.
By shedding light on the impact of the theft, the article underscores the cultural and emotional significance of historical artifacts within a local context, emphasizing the community’s connection to its heritage and the value of preserving and sharing such treasures.