Archaeological discoveries are not only the result of precise excavations. Some really happen by chance. As evidenced by this letter found in the Corsewall lighthouse in the South-West of Scotland which represents a 132-year-old time capsule.
A hole in a wall, a window into the past
When Barry Miller, Ross Russell, Neil Armstrong and Morgan Dennison went to carry out renovation work on Corsewall Lighthouse, they had no idea they would come across a letter more than a century old.
And it was completely by chance, when he glanced at a hole in a wall that Ross Russell couldn't believe his eyes. In front of him was a sealed bottle which contained a paper rolled up on itself.
Was it a secret cache in which spies pass information to each other? Did this letter contain revelations about some of the greatest secrets in history, such as Stonehenge for example? No.
Dated September 4, 1892, the letter said:
“This lantern was erected by James Wells, engineer, John Westwood mechanic, James Brodie, engineer and David Scott, labourer, of the firm of James Milne & Son Engineers, Milton House Works, Edinburgh, during the months of May to September and re-lit on Thursday evening September 15, 1892.”
Unless it is a very complicated secret code to decipher, which was discovered by the employees of the Northern Lighthouse Boardthe company operating the lighthouse, is a simple word filled with pride about the success of a construction operation.
And according to Ross Russell, there was much to be proud of. In fact, he entrusted New York Times that installing the lighthouse lens in 1892 must have been arduous work, especially with the technologies of the time.
“ A communication from them to us ”
Even if in fact it is impossible, the workers working on the Corsewall lighthouse take it that way.
Indeed, if there is no way that 132 years ago, the people who wrote this letter would know that it would be read and found, Barry Miller sees it as a certain coincidence.
“By great coincidence, we were working on the same lens they had installed. It was direct communication from them to us” said Barry Miller at New York Times.
A letter that will stay in its place
Being a historical piece, even if it is not of great importance compared to others, the letter was sent to Edinburgh, to the headquarters of the Northern Lighthouse Board. She will remain there until the end of the renovation work on the Corsewall lighthouse.
Once the work is finished, it will return to its place which it occupied for more than 130 years. But that's not all.
Indeed, to develop a new centuries-old tradition, the four workers decided to add a letter themselves by signing their name and presenting their work. “One day, perhaps, we will be able to communicate with someone else.” enthused Barry Miller to the New York Times.
Source : New York Times
With an unwavering passion for local news, Christopher leads our editorial team with integrity and dedication. With over 20 years’ experience, he is the backbone of Wouldsayso, ensuring that we stay true to our mission to inform.
