Capsule is sealed in old vault until 2080
OF 2021 LIFE IN LEICESTER
A TIME capsule preserving a snapshot of life in Leicester in 2021 has been sealed in a former bank vault in the basement of a landmark building.
The capsule, containing memorabilia and items donated from many sources, has been placed inside the bowels of the former Fenwick department store, which is being redeveloped as The Gresham.
It will not be opened until at least 2080 – the 200th anniversary of the original building’s construction.
A plaque is being placed outside to remind future generations of Leicester residents about the time capsule’s existence.
The old vault room, containing a cast iron bank safe, was one of many historical features discovered during the renovations of The Gresham, a luxury aparthotel in the grade II-listed Victorian building, on the corner of Market Street and Belvoir Street in the city centre.
The vault continued to be in use until Fenwick, which occupied the building from 1962, closed in 2017.
David Illingworth, Fenwick store manager for 21 years, attended the sealing of the time capsule and supplied some of the contents, including a book about the history of the retailer.
He recalled how he would use the vault at the end of every day of his working life at Fenwick.
Snizhana Yesaulenko, from developer Aimrok holdings, said: “The vault is one of the many beautiful historical items that we discovered when stripping down the building.
“We have tried to preserve as many original features as we could, and it seemed a shame to block the vault up without any recognition.
“So we felt the time capsule was the perfect way to preserve this part of the building’s history.
“I would like to thank every person and organisation that has contributed to its contents – and also those who came along to witness the capsule’s sealing.
“We have locked away a chapter in history that in 59 years’ time, someone will open and hopefully enjoy discovering a glimpse of today’s life.”
The memorabilia includes items donated from sources including BBC Radio Leicester, Leicester City, Leicester Tigers, Leicester Riders, the King Richard III Visitor Centre and Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership.
VESSEL WILL GIVE A SLICE