Yesterday, a Railway 200 capsule filled with anniversary artefacts was handed over to be tucked away for at least 50 years as part of this year’s celebrations.

Emma Roberts, Railway 200s programme manager, gave the capsule to Heather Kelly, deputy CEO at Derby College Group, to be stored in the Roundhouse at the college.

The capsule contains numerous items, including letters, commemorative coins and pin badges, a newspaper produced on the bicentenary in September, an inspiration ticket, speeches from the ceremony, and more.

The capsule will be opened at the railway’s 250th anniversary in 2075.

“In time-honoured fashion the capsule captures the essence of what has been an amazing celebration of rail’s transformative impact on people’s lives and livelihoods.  We’re delighted that it will rest in an iconic building in the new home of the railway, as the city helps to shape the future of a British invention that changed the world. 

“When opened, in fifty years’ time, the Railway 200 capsule will be a poignant reminder of a landmark year in rail’s continuing development.” 

Railway 200’s Emma Roberts