Back in Time – An unusual discovery at our Manor Park Road project

We  are appointed as Employer’s Agent on a permitted development office to residential scheme near to Willesden Junction in North London. 

During the recent strip out works our contractor discovered two time capsules hidden in the external walls that according to the contents had been planted there back in 1936. Due to the deterioration of the metal capsules, much of the contents were in a poor condition, although some interesting information could still be retrieved from the newspapers and documents which were dated 1936.

The newspaper referred to the death of Prince George V with the headline “His Majesty’s last act: Signature of State document” and contained a photo of members of the public keeping vigil in Kingsway.

According to the headed stationary and paperwork, the building was previously occupied by the Wembley Stadium ambulance service. The 49th Middlesex Detachment commandant’s business card was included, bearing the name William Hedger, and the client, whose family business occupied the premises over the last 50 years, has confirmed that his father purchased the property from a Mr Hedger back in the early 1960’s.

Also contained in the capsules were a one Penny coin, a South African one penny coin, a Wembley Stadium Ambulance Service badge, an envelope with a half penny black stamp and a 1935 London Transport Bus Map.

Whilst the contents bear no considerable financial value, it is always fascinating to discover a little piece of history and learn more about a property that is now being redeveloped to give it a new lease of life.

No further discoveries have been made as yet but the contractor is keeping an eye out for anything of any historical interest as the works progress. Watch this space..