A TIME capsule buried underneath a borough library which was unearthed during the process of moving it brick by brick to Dudley's Black Country Living Museum has been opened by experts.
The historical artefact was discovered by contractors during the work at Woodside Library – which will form part of the Tipton Road museum's new multi-million ‘Forging Ahead’ development, focusing on the period between the 1940s and the 1960s.
The contents of the time capsule, which lay undiscovered underneath the old library for more than a century, initially remained a mystery as it was so delicate it could only be opened safely by experts.
A team from Drakon Heritage, however, have since opened up the artefact and Dudley Council has now revealed what was inside.
The time capsule itself, which had to be opened by experts at Black Country Living Museum.
The capsule contained three newspapers, all dated Saturday July 1, 1894, the day the library on Stourbridge Road was officially opened. The library is mentioned in articles in the newspapers.
The front page of the Dudley Herald, the newspaper was found with two others in the time capsule.
Slips containing the names of people who were involved either in building the library or the opening ceremony were also inside, along with a book containing a list of the council committees at the time.
A letter worn by the sands of time which was deciphered by experts
A letter which has been worn away by the sands of time was also inside the capsule – but experts have been able to transcribe it. It was written by David Millington, chairman of the library committee, to the Earl and the Countess of Dudley to thank them for attending the opening ceremony which saw the laying of the 'Free Library' foundation stone.
West McGowan, of Holland Contracting & Conservation which has been carrying out the painstaking process of dismantling the historic building, said the time capsule had been unearthed "in an immaculate condition".
Leader of Dudley Council, Councillor Patrick Harley, and the Black Country Living Museum's director Andrew Lovett were on hand to survey the findings and Mr Lovett said: "We were absolutely delighted to learn about this century-old time capsule."
He added: "I doubt those who put it together could ever have imagined that Woodside Library would end up being taken apart brick-by-brick to be enjoyed at a lively and flourishing living museum, but I’ve no doubt they’d be overjoyed to see it being kept alive for future generations."
The library, which originally opened at the end of the 19th century, was refurbished in the early 1970s but it closed its doors to the public in 2008 and had lain empty ever since.
Cllr Harley described the time capsule as a "fascinating find" which he said "only serves to underline the historical importance of the building".
The library, which will depict the year 1961 when reconstructed at the Black Country Living Museum, will be able to be seen at the museum when the Forging Ahead attraction opens in 2023.
Cllr Harley added: "I am glad it is being kept in the borough for future generations to see and enjoy at the museum, and I am sure the time capsule and its documents will have pride of place somewhere in the library at its new home.
"We will be exploring options for use of the site. But whatever we decide, we will make sure it benefits the local community."
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