In the UK we like to keep hold of things. Many of our possessions have strong sentimental value, many of us keep collectables, and we all keep things that we might not need (or have room for) now, which is when you start to think about long term storage that may come in handy.
But have you ever gone through your stored items and been overwhelmed by nostalgia of items you’d previously forgotten about? Perhaps you’ve found some old video tapes, cassettes or records and remembered how important they were at the time – but how obsolete they are now. We definitely have – andit made us wonder, what would people be nostalgic – or maybe not even have a clue about – 100 years from now?
We asked the people of Britain what they’d put in a time capsule to be opened in a century, and here’s the top 10 items people came up with!
10. Royal family memorabilia
In the last 15 years we’ve had four royal weddings and have witnessed the birth of Prince William’s three children and we know Prince Harry’s first is on the way – so our love for the royals has really flourished recently. We love seeing them in the media and hearing about everything they do – so it’s only natural that 17% of Brits would put some Royal family memorabilia in their time capsule!
9. A document of UK politics
Politics has always been a hot topic for Brits, but since the referendum in 2016, Brexit hasn’t left the media. The topic has divided the country, and so has the political actions that have followed it. Almost 1 in 5 (18%) of Brits would put a summary of the current political climate in their time capsule – who knows if they will be able to get their head around it though!
8. A board game
When storing your champagne, you should lay the bottles down horizontally. If kept upright, the cork could dry out and deteriorate, spoiling the champagne. Kept on its side, and the cork will remain moist and the bottle will last longer.
7. A Kindle
When Kindles first debuted, many Brits were impressed by this technology that freed us from carrying around bulky books. They were extremely popular, and most households definitely have a kindle – but in 100 years time, will this technology be completely obsolete? Over one in 5 (22%) Brits think their Kindles would make a good addition to a centenary time capsule.
6. A Harry Potter book
Harry Potter books are extremely popular, with over 400 million copies of the franchise being sold worldwide. The stories sparked eight successful films too, and Brits across generations know and love the stories today. But will the beloved British books still exist 100 years from now? Almost a quarter of Brits (24%) think a copy should go in a time capsule.
5. A red British passport
With word circulating that red British passport will be a thing of the past post-Brexit, almost a quarter of Brits (24%) think one should be placed in a time capsule to be seen in 100 years time. Will you be keeping hold of your old red passport?ng.
4. An iPhone
Who can deny the popularity of the Apple iPhone? Since their release in 2007, Brits have loved iPhones and have been loyal to the brand through all 10 upgrades – and it’s not likely iPhones will become obsolete any time soon. Even if iPhones are still keeping up with the times 100 years from now, 35% of Brits think people 100 years from now would be interested in checking out their current version.
3. A map of the UK
Maps are still a thing – but barely. With the technology we have today, our phones (and even most of our cars) have navigational capabilities built in now, so your devices can direct you in real time without trying to read a map. Coming in third place, 38% think maps would be an excellent relic for a time capsule.
2. A handwritten letter
When was the last time you sat down, put pen to paper, and wrote a letter to someone? While many Brits still write letters, in the age of smartphones and amazing computing technology, we’re much more partial to an email, instant message or phone call – so what will communication look like in 100 years time? Nearly half of Brits (43%) would put a handwritten letter in their time capsule.
1. A newspaper
Over half of British people (54%) would put a newspaper in a time capsule to be opened in 100 years time, putting it in first place. A newspaper would really sum up modern day Britain in the future – it’s a physical paper that sums up the biggest issues and events of that time. Brits 100 years from now would get a snapshot of a typical day in Britain – and it might even be an amazing experience to just to hold a newspaper 100 years from now!
