Couple discovers hidden time capsule with secret message in fireplace

In Stamford, Lincolnshire, England, a couple named Faye Pulleyn and Adam Brown made an astonishing discovery while renovating their cottage. Hidden behind a bricked-up fireplace, they found an old cigarette packet that served as a time capsule. This astonishing find contained various items including coins, a golf tee, an ID card belonging to a Michael Whitehead, and a handwritten message inviting the finder to reach out to him 30 years later, asking if he was still alive. A note above Michael's signature indicated that he was 26-and-a-half years old at the time of writing, alongside a reflection on the swift passage of time. The couple, who have a young son named Leo, described the moment as exciting and indicative of the house's history. The previous occupant, Mick Whitehead, was a builder who often hid items as mementos during his projects, which added a personal touch to the properties he worked on. After meeting with the couple, Mick, now 57, expressed his delight at the discovery of his hidden message, stating that he had always loved the cottage and wished he had kept it. Mick shared that he has hidden notes and gifts in other homes he has renovated but has not been able to retrieve them as successfully. He mentioned his strong interest in history and his ongoing anticipation that further items he has left might someday resurface. Among his more memorable hidden treasures was a fancy Chinese vase that the owner of a property no longer wanted. His comments reflect a tradition among builders to leave behind time capsules, a practice Mick finds both nostalgic and intriguing. He hopes that one day others will find and appreciate the items he has chosen to leave for future occupants. This event resonates with many people’s fascination with personal history and the stories that dwell within the spaces we occupy.