A time capsule to be opened in 30 years’ time has been placed beneath what will become the new Archive search rooms at Berwick Barracks.

It contains key documents about the regeneration of the Barracks, details of events held there and drawings by Year 4 pupils from Holy Trinity C of E Aided Primary School showing their lives today and how they imagine the Barracks in 2056.

The Lord-Lieutenant of Northumberland was among those who attended the burial of the capsule, which also holds the November 5, 2026, edition of the Berwick Advertiser.

And Dr Caroline Pryer gave a speech before the burial.

A group photograph at the burial of the time capsule. Photo by Josh Peters.

placeholder image — A group photograph at the burial of the time capsule. Photo by Josh Peters.

She said: “This time capsule, this beautiful stainless-steel box, captures your commitment, dedication, patience, prayers, strength and fortitude to preserve and conserve these buildings, our memories and traditions.

“It also shows an act of optimism, looking forward 30 years, serving as a proud and productive statement that future generations will be encouraged to look back, remember their past and look forward themselves.”

Also present on November 6 were the Mayor and Sheriff of Berwick, pupils and teachers from the school, members of Northumberland Archives and representatives of the key groups involved in the Living Barracks project (Berwick Barracks Heritage Trust, English Heritage, King’s Own Scottish Borderers, The Maltings (Berwick) Trust and Northumberland County Council), including the architects, LDN.

Linda Bankier, of Northumberland Archives, said: “This is a time capsule with a difference, as there are two.

The stainless-steel capsule was made by Fabvent.

“We hope this one will stand the test of time and that everything will still be intact in 2056, wrapped in conservation-grade materials and well-sealed.

“As a back-up, we have also created a digital time capsule. Everything has been copied and all the images and files are being loaded into our digital preservation programme, Preservica, which continually updates file formats, so items stored on a memory stick can still be viewed in the future.

“This part of the project would not have been possible without funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

“It’s a lasting legacy of the here and now for future generations. Hopefully some of you will return in 2056 to open it.”

The stainless-steel capsule was made by local company Fabvent and lowered by local workers from site contractors John Dennis.