Two of Cambridge’s historic, grade two listed, Richardson Candles have been restored and reinstated after they were damaged during acts of vandalism.
The candles were among three that were taken from St Johns Street and Trumpington Street at various times around September 2024.
One was found damaged in Little St Mary’s Church yard, whilst the other two were stolen, but later recovered by police.
The lantern taken from St Johns Street was undamaged and reinstalled in March 2025.
The other two have undergone extensive repairs – which, due to their historic rarity, had to be approved by the city council's conservation team - and were returned to Trumpington Street last week.
The Richardson Candle is a type of streetlamp that was designed exclusively for the city of Cambridge by Sir Albert Richardson in the 1950s.
Councillor Alex Beckett, chair of the Highways and Transport Committee at Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “Acts of vandalism on public property are always sad and frustrating but when they involve something as iconic at the Richardson Candles of Cambridge, it feels very personal.
“I’m incredible grateful to the police for locating the stolen lanterns, and to the team that has worked very hard to make sure the damaged lanterns could be restored and reinstated in our city where they belong.”
