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Historic artefacts found in roof during upgrade

Alex PopeNorthamptonshire
News imageNorth Northamptonshire Council A box of matches, with red, black and cream stripes, with writing in the middle. A person is holding them up, wearing blue gloves. North Northamptonshire Council
Bryant & May's Pearl Matches London were found

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 £7mrestoration 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.

News imageNorth Northamptonshire Council An old empty glass bottle, being held up by a person wearing blue gloves. The bottle is being held up in front of a brick wall. North Northamptonshire Council
An intact glass bottle with Kettering written on its side has stood the test of time

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.

News imageNorth Northamptonshire Council An old and empty Wrigley's yellow chewing gum wrapper with red writing and green arrow markings, is being held up by a person wearing blue gloves by a brick wall. North Northamptonshire Council
A rather grubby chewing gum wrapper was picked up

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.

News imageNorth Northamptonshire Council A metal round box, with writing in it, with rust marks. Some of the colour and writing has worn off. It is being held up by a brick wall and a person is holding it wearing blue gloves. North Northamptonshire Council
A metal tin to hold a tape could go on display, at a later date

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."

News imageNorth Northamptonshire Council Ripped up cigarette packaging, that is three pieces, on a piece of white paper. It is white, brown and orange in colour. North Northamptonshire Council
A cigarette packet had been torn up

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."

News imageNorth Northamptonshire Council A Senior Service cigarette packet, mainly white with writing on it, begin held up by a person wearing blue gloves by a brick wall. North Northamptonshire Council
Senior Service, which at the time was described as "the perfection of cigarette luxury"

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