Historic 'Time Capsule' Found in 120-Year-Old Roof

During a major £7 million restoration of a historic roof in Kettering, a surprising collection of artifacts dating back 120 years has been uncovered. The building, known as the Cornerstone and listed as Grade II, revealed items such as cigarette packets, matches, a chewing gum wrapper, and a glass bottle embossed with a local manufacturer's name.

These discovered remnants, believed to have been discarded during the library's construction in 1904, are being cared for by North Northamptonshire Council's museum and gallery team. The structure, home to the Alfred East Art Gallery, the town's museum, and library, is undergoing extensive repairs to its roof using locally sourced Collyweston slate tiles.

The restoration work, which began in April 2025, is expected to take approximately two years to complete. Officials noted the significance of these finds, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who worked on the building over a century ago, as efforts continue to preserve it for future generations.