If a Victorian historian had his way, there'd be a giant time capsule under Stonehenge

In 1877, Frederic Harrison, a British historian, had an intriguing idea. He proposed burying a time capsule beneath Stonehenge, one of the UK's most ancient monuments. This time capsule was intended for the 29th Century, filled with items that would offer a glimpse into the life and culture of Harrison's era. His proposed contents included poetry, music, skeletons, and even a guide to being a Cockney.

Harrison was born in London in 1831 and became known for his writings and his role as a 'freethinker'. This term referred to a group of Victorian radicals and progressives who challenged traditional religious beliefs and advocated for a more secular approach to morality. Harrison was particularly interested in how modern science could reshape our understanding of life and the afterlife.

Harrison's vision was to create a 'museum' underground, and he believed Stonehenge was the ideal location. Stonehenge had been a site of historical significance for centuries, making it a secure place for a time capsule. He imagined this time capsule as a small museum that would preserve a snapshot of Queen Victoria's England. His list of items to include was extensive: poems, photographs, maps, and recordings of famous opera singers like Adelina Patti. He also suggested including models of Victorian warships and locomotives, as well as contemporary women's fashion.

Harrison was also deeply concerned about the future of wildlife. He believed that many species were at risk of extinction due to human activities. He wanted to include records of all the animals and plants that were endangered. He predicted that by the 29th Century, animals like elephants, rhinos, and tigers would be long gone. To ensure future generations could understand these creatures, he proposed preserving their skeletons in the time capsule.

Although Harrison's ambitious plan never came to fruition, his idea of preserving the present for the future has inspired many similar projects. Today, we have initiatives like the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, which stores seeds of crucial crops to protect them from potential disasters. There are also projects aimed at preserving digital information for future generations.

Harrison's proposal for a time capsule under Stonehenge may not have been realized, but his vision of safeguarding the present for the future continues to resonate. His idea underscores the importance of considering future generations and what we can do to help them understand our time. It also highlights the enduring human desire to leave a legacy and ensure that our history is remembered.