Contractors working on The Liversage Trust's £3.4 million refurbishment of historic almshouses on London Road, Derby, have uncovered a handwritten message concealed for nearly 67 years. The note, hidden behind the staircase of number 87A since October 12, 1959, was found alongside an empty bottle of Black & White Scotch whisky.
Discovery During Refurbishment
The Grade II listed almshouse is being modernised to provide 17 contemporary homes while preserving its historic character. The discovery was made by a joiner working with site manager Steve Wooddisse as they removed the staircase to install a new downstairs toilet.
The note, written on the back of a Ciro nylon hair net packet, offers a remarkable snapshot of life in Derby on the day it was hidden. It records the writer's thoughts on the threat of war, references the recent General Election, comments on the weather after an unusually dry summer, and notes Derby County's 1-0 victory over Portsmouth just days earlier.
The Message Revealed
The handwritten note reads: "The Best of Luck Mate. I hope you are not at war – it's a terrifying thing war. This was bricked up Oct 12th 1959. Just after the general election when the Conservatives got in by a 101 majority. It is raining in Derby now for the first time since about April after a first class summer. Derby 1 Portsmouth 0. Not doing so well this season Derby."
It is signed W H Braid, 3 Swarkestone Drive, Littleover. Alongside the note was an empty bottle of Black & White Special Blend Scotch Whisky, identified as an authentic example dating from between 1953 and 1962. Had it remained full and unopened, similar bottles could fetch as much as £300 at auction today.
Significance for the Trust
For Andy Mellors of The Liversage Trust, the handwritten note holds far greater value than the bottle. He said: "Finding the bottle was interesting, but it was the note that really stopped us in our tracks. Someone took the time to leave a message for whoever might one day uncover it, never knowing if it would be found."
"The note captures an ordinary day in Derby's history, yet today it feels incredibly special. It gives us a small but very personal connection with someone who worked on these buildings decades ago," Mellors added.
Preserving Heritage for the Future
The Liversage Trust's refurbishment is transforming the almshouses into 17 modernised homes, carefully balancing heritage preservation with the need for high-quality accommodation for future residents. The project aims to maintain the buildings' historic character while ensuring they meet contemporary living standards.
The Trust is now hoping the discovery may help uncover more about the author of the note. Anyone who recognises the name W H Braid, or remembers someone living at 3 Swarkestone Drive, Littleover, is invited to get in touch with The Liversage Trust.
