The burying of time capsules is not a new habit - as the minister of Maldon United Reformed Church has discovered.

During refurbishment work on the back wall of the church on Market Hill, a corked and sealed bottle containing a parchment dated 1801 was found.

And when the Rev Mike Burrell researched the "capsule" in the town's Plume Library, he learned it had already been unearthed during alterations in 1876 when more items were added and it was resealed and reburied.

Mr Burrell said the 1801 parchment was visible through the corked and wax sealed bottle, but as yet they had not opened it.

The church was getting advice from the Essex Records Office, he said.

"We have the privilege of putting it back with some things of our own," said Mr Burrell.

He said the discovery was doubly exciting because it came in the week when the church, established in 1696, was celebrating its founding day.

Seal of approval - the Rev Mike Burrell with the time capsule found at Maldon United Reformed Church.

Picture: STEVE ARGENT

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