Time capsule discovery in Middlesbrough
A time capsule from the 1850s has been uncovered as part of the works on the restoration of Middlesbrough’s Old Town Hall.
A time capsule from the 1850s has been uncovered as part of the works on the restoration of Middlesbrough’s Old Town Hall.
Within the capsule, a document contained the signatures of some famous names from the 19th Century, including Isaac Wilson, who served as the town’s mayor and then an MP for more than a decade.
At the end of the full council meeting, held on Wednesday, February 18, Labour Mayor Chris Cooke said: “During the Old Town Hall renovations, we have discovered a time capsule, from 1858, which has various documents in it. They’ve been rescued. They’re currently undergoing a process to make sure we can salvage them, but there are documents on there including the foundation of the clock tower, which has such famous signatures as John Vaughan and Isaac Wilson attached to it.”
Politician Isaac Wilson is commemorated by a pub of the same name near to the town’s railway station, while John Vaughan was an ironmaster, who was key to Middlesbrough’s ironmaking success in the middle of the 19th Century.
Mayor Cooke added: “So obviously, this is going through a process now of being saved. But we will be sending an invite to all councillors, to be able to come and see the documents, but I thought this was of such significance, I didn’t want tonight to pass without people finding out first.”
It was reported earlier this month that work was underway on the “major” project that seeks to restore the Old Town Hall. Heritage restoration specialists Group Ginger last year drew up plans to put the building – opened in 1846 and immortalised by LS Lowry – firmly at the heart of Middlesbrough’s ongoing regeneration drive. Over the next 12 months contractor Walter Thompson will develop the Grade ll-listed structure into a business space within the town’s Boho Zone.
The unexpected, but welcome, development of discovering a time capsule has come about just weeks into the restoration works. The £6.3 million project will see the demolition of a 1970s extension to the building, alongside much-needed structural work. The original clock tower will also be restored and brought back into use, while a modern marketplace extension will contrast the old and the new.
Middlesbrough Council would not share pictures of the amazing historic discovery just yet, but said they would be sent out in “due course”.
Further contents of the time capsule are expected to be revealed in the near future.