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(This article originally appeared on October 23, 2004 in the BBC News World Edition)
Builder's time capsule uncovered
Workers refurbishing a 17th Century theatre have stumbled on
a time capsule left by a Victorian builder.
 The metal container was discovered tucked behind a ceiling panel
at the Sheldonian Theatre in Oxford.
It contained a pair of trousers and a hand-written note dated 6 March 1901
written by one of the last team of workers to revamp the building.
In the letter, builder Frank Morrill gives instructions to whoever finds the
"treasure" to give it to a museum.
A collection of tools, including a bradawl, were also included in
the capsule.
"The trousers are quite holey, it looks like the moths have been at them,"
said an Oxford University spokeswoman.
"The builders found it earlier this week and handed it in."
The letter inside the capsule, which was written in pencil, reads:
"Sheldonian Theatre, March 6 1901, Dear Friend,
"When you have inspected these trousers please hand them over to the
curator of the Taylor Buildings for the Museum as they were worn by Frank
Morrill, Chief Assistant to John C Nairn and Son, who restored the ceiling of
the building.
"Hope you enjoy yourself when you have found this valuable treasure. I
expect I will have fed the worms by that time, however I will have a good time
before I do so.
"Goodbye old chap goodbye"
"Yours in ashes (?) Frank Morrill"
A spokesman said the trousers would be offered to a local museum as Mr
Morrill instructed.
The 17th Century theatre is currently closed to the public while specialists
carry out structural repairs to the ceiling cornice.
It is due to reopen by the beginning of December.
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