Precious Darwin notebooks reported stolen from university library

It is difficult to estimate the value of the notebooks given their unique nature but it would probably run into many millions of pounds, the library said

Charles Darwin (Cambridge University Library/PA)

Two Charles Darwin manuscripts have been reported as stolen from Cambridge University Library two decades after they were last seen.

Staff believed that the precious items had been “mis-shelved” within the vast archives late in the year 2000 and the matter was not reported to Cambridgeshire Police until October 20 this year.