Pupils fill time capsules to be opened in 2126

Pupils across Leeds have buried time capsules to be sealed for a century as part of Leeds 400 celebrations.

Monday marks 400 years since Leeds received its first Royal Charter from King Charles I - giving the borough the right to self-governance.

Chapel Allerton Primary School is among the schools taking part in collating objects for time capsules to show a glimpse of what life was like in 2026.

"There are things we can learn from the past and things we can hope about for the future," said school headteacher Nicholas Sykes.

Events have been taking place across the city during 2026 to celebrate the anniversary.

The primary school is one of 19 to have buried time capsules in their playgrounds, with hopes they will be opened once again in 2126.

Developments in technology were considered by the children, as well as objects which may well be obsolete when capsules are dug up.

Joe, 11, who decided to put a pen in the capsule, said: "I think most people will type and will not write and send letters, they will just use emails or messages."

Nellie, 11, who added her FIFA World Cup 2026 sticker collection, said: "I think it is really important for people in 100 years' time to know that the World Cup was on and know how we will remember it with these stickers."

Discussing her hopes for the future, she said: "I hope that women's football expands more.

"It is getting a really big thing in England and countries like Spain - I hope it gets as big as men's football, it's equal and that's how many people are watching it."

Another year six pupil, Anaya, said she wanted their upcoming school play to be remembered in 100 years' time.

"I might put in a mask from one of our plays because we have made this out of cardboard and painted over and been really creative with it," she said.

"In 100 years I do not think they will be as creative."

Sykes said he was "encouraged" by the students' enthusiasm.

"Children take the best of the world as it is now, they are optimistic by nature," he said.

"We are always talking about growth mindsets and positive attitudes, so - however the world evolves and changes - there are still going to be some good human beings that can make the best of it."

"I think they will be really shocked and surprised how we lived our daily lives compared to how they will live theirs," added Nellie.

"In year two we did a lot of work on the Victorian times - that was 100 years ago and that has changed so much.

"I think in 100 years' time it's going to be very different."

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