An assorted array of historic artefacts have been rediscovered in a 120-year-old roof that is currently being replaced.
Cigarette packets, matches and a chewing gum wrapper were some of the items that were revealed inside the roof space of the Grade II listed Cornerstone, in Kettering, Northamptonshire, that is currently undergoing a £7m restoration project.
A clear glass bottle embossed with Miller & Cooke – Manufacturers – Kettering was also found.
North Northamptonshire Council said the items were being looked after by its museum and gallery team and hope to put them on public display in the future.
An intact glass bottle with Kettering written on its side has stood the test of time [North Northamptonshire Council]
The bottle was made by Alfred Alexander & Co, London and had its original bottle stopper inside.
The council believed it was discarded during the library’s construction in 1904.
A rather grubby chewing gum wrapper was picked up [North Northamptonshire Council]
The building, located in the Manor House Gardens, is home to the Alfred East Art Gallery, the town’s museum and library.
It was damaged during heavy rain in 2023 and its entire roof is being repaired with Collyweston slate tiles, that come from the county.
Work started in April 2025 and at the time the council said it could take two years to complete.
A metal tin to hold a tape could go on display, at a later date [North Northamptonshire Council]
Tobacco products including an empty Senior Service cigarette pack, remnants of Woodbine cigarette packaging, an empty match box, a Wrigley’s chewing gum wrapper and a London Tape container lid were all collected.
The team who found them said: “Yesterday’s litter is now today’s treasure.”
A cigarette packet had been torn up [North Northamptonshire Council]
Reform UK councillor Gregory Wilcox, executive member for communities, said: “It’s wonderful to see these objects from the fabric of such an important local building.
“The items offer a small but captivating window that really invite us to think about a different time and the people who worked on the library more than a century ago as we now work to preserve it for future generations.”
Senior Service, which at the time was described as “the perfection of cigarette luxury” [North Northamptonshire Council]
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