Time Capsule Discovered In Derry City

A time capsule dating back to 1887 has been found by builders working on the restoration of Derry City's Guildhall.

The large glass jar contained documents coins and newspapers, and was hidden in the foundation stone on August 23rd 1887.

Although the existence of the time capsule was known about, it's exact location remained a mystery until it was discovered by the stone masons.

"The last time this vessel was open, the last hands to touch these items were those people back in 1887, so it emphasizes the human side to the story," said Roisin Doherty, of Derry City Council's museum services department.

"It also symbolises the Guildhall's position as a hub for the city for over a century. The Guildhall is like the civic heart of the city - it's a shared space. It's used for everything from tea dances to formulating policy."

She said from an archaeological point of view, the find was fantastic.

The capsule had been placed in a hole dug into the foundation stone, 12 inches by four inches.

Curator of the Derry City Museum Services, Craig McGucken said the objects reflected something about what life was like in the city at the time.

"We are still in the process of researching the material that was found," he said, "and we hope to put them on display at some stage in the future."