A Message to the Future

Please click on image in order to enlarge

We never know what surprises await us during our explorations. Thus, when we walked into the rather lovely interior of Beeston-Next-Mileham Church in Suffolk, Mr. Many Coats and I had no idea that the 'star' find of a splendid day's Ragged Rambling would be a humble roof tile. However, this isn't any old roof tile, for etched into it is a message from the year 1924. The tile itself - currently tucked away in an annex room - begins thus:

"June 11th YEAR OF
OUR LORD 1924: IN 
THE REIGN OF HIS MAJESTY
KING GEORGE 5th 

TO WHOEVER MAY FIND
IN YEARS TO COME..."

The author then continues to list the dates and locations of his jobs restoring churches over the preceding six years (enlarge image and have a read for yourself).

We assume that the author of this testament was a plumber, L. Mobley, who also left the lead 'plaque' pictured above. 

For us, a time capsule like this, speaking from the roof of this church on a sunny June day ninety years ago, is an absolute treasure. Were it in our power we would definitely have these pieces on public display within the church, as they provide one of those rare connections between a 'grand' building and those, often all-too anonymous, tradesman who work to preserve it. Mr. Many Coats and I feel that parishioners and general visitors would be fascinated to learn by this. Hopefully, this will happen presently. In the meantime, we bring you a 'virtual' version.