Time capsules discovered at Market Hall go on display

Derby City Council has announced that two time capsules, discovered during the ongoing refurbishment of the Market Hall, have gone on public display.

Contractors working on the transformation of the Grade-II listed building uncovered two sealed glass containers behind a bronze memorial plaque, near the Guildhall entrance.

Now, the time capsules have gone on display at the Derby Local Studies Library, in Full Street, as part of an exhibition, which will run until 16 January.

Admission to the exhibition is free and includes pictures and press cuttings tracing the history of the Market Hall.

It is thought the first capsule was placed within the building when the memorial stone for the “New Market Hall” was laid by Mayor of Derby, Councillor Thomas Roe, on 16 February, 1864.

The capsule was opened to reveal several historic items marking the occasion.

Treasures included a copy of The Times and The Standard newspapers, an “Order of Procession” from the laying of the stone event, and the Mayor’s seal.

The second capsule dates back to January 1938 when the interior of the Market Hall was completely refurbished.

It also contains coins and newspapers, providing an insight into the news of the time.

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, the city council’s cabinet member for city centre, regeneration, culture and tourism, said: “The Market Hall is one of our most prominent buildings and these time capsules are a reminder of its place in our city’s history.

“It’s great that councillors of the time had the foresight to bury these items for future generations to find.

“We’re grateful to the construction team for recognising they had stumbled across something special and handling them with such care.

“Our vision is that the Market Hall continues to play a central role in Derby’s future, becoming a place where people want to visit and spend time.

“When the time is right, we will replace the capsules in the Market Hall and add another, marking another significant point in the history of the building.”