A SIXTEENTH CENTURY plate that was stolen from an office in a Belfast cathedral last month has been recovered.

The plate was among a collection of silverware stolen from St Anne’s Cathedral in Belfast in October. The original plate, as well as a copy made in 1894 and a silver chalice, were taken from a back office, police said.

The Dean of Belfast, the Very Reverend John Mann said that the items have since been recovered and that further details would be available in the coming days.

“”Needless to say that I am delighted and relieved to hear that the stolen cathedral silver plate has been found, and that St Anne’s will have it back soon.

These communion vessels are important to us, not for their monetary worth, which is comparatively small, but for their historic and sacramental connection with the cathedral worshipping community, and to the old St Anne’s church which stood on the site before the cathedral was built.

“I would like to thank all who have been responsible for the recovery of these vessels, which we will have back in use, with much joy, as soon as possible.”

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