A Hidden Piece of History Unearthed at The Queen’s School

An exciting discovery has been made beneath the site of The Queen’s School’s new Astroturf facility – a time capsule buried by pupils and staff over 25 years ago, in the year 2000.

The find, uncovered by construction workers, offers a fascinating glimpse into life at the school at the turn of the millennium.

The time capsule was discovered inside an old tank, which had been buried for more than two decades. The treasure trove includes school timetables, newsletters, a school photograph, coins, and even a mysterious curtain pole end. Other items found include a school blazer, a typed list of "Elephant Facts," shopping receipts from March 2000, and a John’s Gospel.

Key items discovered include:

•           Have Mynde magazines (1996, 1997, 1998)

•           Prize Giving & Open Morning Programmes (2000)

•           Newsletters and newspaper clippings

•           An audio tape, a video, and a microscope

•           A skiing advert from the year 2000

•           Coins from the era

•           A rolled school photograph with a list of names

•           Timetables, application forms, and even a John’s Gospel!

Following the announcement of the discovery, The Queen’s School’s Alumni Manager, Hayley McDonnell, shared the news with former students through the school’s alumni Facebook group. Many ‘old girls’ fondly reminisced about their involvement in the event and the excitement of contributing to the time capsule.

Hayley said:

“The time capsule is an exciting discovery, offering a bridge between past and present and I was delighted to share it with our alumni community, sparking a sense of nostalgia for many. I loved reading their comments from those who remembered the time capsule being buried, it was great to get their insight into what was going on all those years ago.  The time capsule is a testament to the lasting bond we share with our former students. Our alumni play an incredibly important role at Queen’s, not only in preserving our rich history but also in inspiring current and future generations of girls. The value of their continued support, both through shared memories and active involvement, helps strengthen the Queen’s spirit that endures across generations."

These artifacts, now part of the school’s rich history, will be preserved in the Queen’s Archives, alongside the Cheshire Records and Archives, ensuring their safe-keeping for future generations. The discovery serves as a powerful reminder of how much has changed – and yet how much remains the same – since the start of the 21st century.

Pictured - Have Mynde Year Book from 1997 and another brochure.