Playing cards placed in 100-year time capsule

The time capsule contains specially designed playing cards

Two newly-designed packs of playing cards have been put in a time capsule placed in a building undergoing a £3.5m restoration at the Historic Chatham Dockyard.

A competition to design the cards was launched after a 300-year-old Jack of Spades card was discovered under a floorboard of the Commissioner's House built in 1704.

The topping out ceremony happened on Tuesday and marked the completion of the restoration of the roof of the Commissioner's House, which is the oldest and most intact naval building in the country.

Adm Sir Trevor Soar of Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust said: "This restoration ensures it will continue to play a central role in the story of Chatham for many more years."

The Jack of Spades was discovered under the floorboards of the Commissioner's House during its restoration at Chatham Historic Dockyard

Sir Trevor, along with Lord Mendoza, chairperson of Historic England, placed the new playing cards in the time capsule together with photographs and documents.

"We have uncovered fascinating historic finds during this project and placing a time capsule today is our way of adding to that story," Sir Trevor added.

The Jack of Spades card is dated between 1725 and 1750, according to the Worshipful Card Company.

When placed under the microscope the card showed evidence that feathers had been stuck to the top edge and three corners cut off leading experts to believe the card had been repurposed as a brush.

The Jack of Spade card was found under a floorboard in the Commissioner's House

The capsule is expected to remain hidden for 100 years and be discovered by future custodians of the dockyard.

Lord Mendoza added the Commissioner's House is "a remarkable survivor of our naval history".

"I'm pleased Historic England has been able to support the restoration of this important Grade I listed building" he added.

The trust aims for the house to be reopened to the public in summer 2026.