Two notebooks belonging to Charles Darwin, one of which contains his iconic 1837 "Tree of Life" sketch, have been returned to Cambridge University.

The two notebooks – one of which includes Darwin’s famous 1837 “Tree of Life” sketch – were returned to Cambridge University’s Library in March 2022, the university said in a statement.

A handout image released by the University of Cambridge on November 24, 2020 shows the 1837 'Tree of Life' sketch on a page from one of the lost notebooks of British scientist Charles Darwin.

Professor Stephen J Toope, vice-chancellor of the University of Cambridge, said he was “incredibly glad to hear of the notebooks’ safe return to their rightful home”.

Two notebooks belonging to Charles Darwin, one of which contains his iconic 1837 "Tree of Life" sketch, have been returned to Cambridge University.

One of the notebooks that was anonymously returned (Cambridge University Library/ PA) Sam Russell April 4, 2022 ...