Stunned stonemason discovers time capsule from the 19th century hidden in block of stone

A stonemason got the shock of his life when he discovered a time capsule that dates back to the 19th century.

James Whiting was sawing through a block of stone that had been reclaimed when he found a secret chamber that contained a glass jar.

Inside that were documents that dated back an astonishing 152 years.

Among the documents were public letters and notices, as well as a weekly newspaper from Friday, June 4, 1880.

The time capsule was hidden inside stone at Castle Reclamation in Martock, near Yeovil, Somerset, which specialises in architectural salvage.

It is thought that the Hamstone – also known as Jurassic limestone – came from a local builder’s yard.

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Describing the moment he found the treasure trove, Mr Whiting said: “I tried to get the bottle out very carefully and looked inside.

“There was a newspaper inside. Most of it was damaged, but some parts you could still read.”

The bottle also contained papers relating to the South Petherton circuit of the Weslyan Methodist Church.

Mr Whiting said he is considering replacing the bottle and putting the stone back together the way he found it – and may even add a contemporary newspaper to the mix.

He said: “It would be a surprise for someone else to come across, maybe in another 150 years’ time.”

Bosses at Castle Reclamation say the glass jar and artefacts are now “up for grabs”.

Castle Reclamation director Adrian Wills, 59, said: “We had some old stone which we’d had for years when a job came in to cut it up.

“It’s such a rare find, it’s 150 years old, and it’s amazing really that it just turned up like that.

“We have cut through stone and found some fossils before but this is something quite special.

“We might put it on display or approach a local history group – it’s up for grabs. Whoever wants it can have it.

“It’s just a shame we cannot find out where it came from. We bought the stone three to fours years ago from a builder’s yard.

“We were making stone coins to go in a doorway.”

Top pic: SWNS