A recent theft in Chatham, Kent, has highlighted both the vulnerability of our shared heritage and the community spirit that led to its recovery.
In late May, two bronze memorial plaques, which had stood in the lychgate of Christ Church Luton for over a century, were stolen. These plaques bore the names of 163 local soldiers, primarily from Medway, who made the ultimate sacrifice during the First World War.
The discovery, made by the church's head gardener, left the community in shock.
Reverend Andrea Leonard, Priest in Charge at Christ Church, described the emotional impact on church members, telling Kent Online, "It’s really shocking and there were tears this morning – they have been there for over 100 years." She noted the plaques were not of high intrinsic metal value but were "priceless to the community."
Local resident Tony King, who has family names on the memorials, called the theft an "absolute disgrace" and a "devastating loss."
The motive appeared to be for scrap metal.
Within days, there was a breakthrough. Kent Police, acting on information, located the first plaque in an Essex scrapyard.
Rev. Leonard praised the scrap merchant who, upon realising the nature of the item, contacted the authorities. She told BBC Radio Kent, "Hats off to the person, who wants to obviously remain anonymous, but who had the integrity to phone the police."
The 93kg memorial was returned to the church by officers. The second plaque was also recovered, albeit in a more damaged condition, from a different Essex scrapyard.
To date, eight men have been arrested in connection with the thefts.
While the community is relieved by the recovery of the memorials, the focus now shifts to restoration. The church will be getting expert advice on how the damaged plaques can be fully restored, to continue to serve their solemn purpose for generations to come.
This post based on reports from Kent Online and BBC News, South East.