The secret history of a Cumbrian pub has been unveiled by builders who have unearthed a time capsule buried more than 50 years ago.

Among the items uncovered were a receipt for a brewery order, a fixtures list from the darts league, a drinking licence, coasters and a motor fuel ration book.

Contractors working on the redevelopment of The Crown at Pooley Bridge near Penrith were making interior alterations to the building when they stumbled across an old biscuit box inside the brickwork of a wall.

Filled with memorabilia from 1959, when a bar and cellar extension were completed, it contains a letter giving details of the day it was hidden, alongside a list of names of those present.

It reads: “This container was placed here upon the twentyninth day of May, 1959, by a small group of people present at the building on new bar and cellar extensions at the hotel. It was a fine spring day, a little cloudy, but warm.

“We do not know when this box will be found, but since it might be many years hence, we have included a number of small items which we hope will be of interest to the finder.”

Steve Martin, Operations Director for Thwaites Inns of Character, said: “It was a complete surprise to find it but it’s been fascinating to look through the contents.

“What we’re intrigued about is whether any of the people listed in the letter are still in the area, as we’d like to invite them to our grand reopening when building work is complete – we might even have another time capsule to bury!”

Those listed include proprietor E Huddart, their son and daughter Joan Margaret and Peter Radcliffe, staff members Brian Collingwood, Audrey Margaret Atkinson and Elizabeth Murray.

Thwaites is transforming the popular village pub with a multi-million development to include a further 17 guest bedrooms and the creation of a first floor terrace