By Sarah Dale
2 April 2026
The discovery of an old coin dating from 1928 has sparked excitement at a County Durham school.
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School in Shotton Colliery is undergoing building works to construct a new nursery. During the works, workmen unearthed a one penny coin much to the delight of the excited youngsters – including Reception pupils Mirabel and Lester, both five –who were thrilled to discover real “treasure” buried under their school.
Lester said: “It was so exciting to find treasure!”
EYFS lead Lynsey Wetherell said: “This remarkable discovery coincides with the very year our school was established, making it a piece of history that holds special significance for us.”
The special discovery of the King George V penny sparked lively conversations about life in Shotton Colliery a century ago. The children imagined the people who might have held the coin and what the local area looked like back then.
“This discovery has not only brought history to life for our students but also connected our past with our future as we continue building our nursery,” added Ms Wetherell.
“Finding such a piece of history on our school grounds is a wonderful reminder of our roots and the stories waiting to be discovered. It was a lovely reminder of the hidden stories beneath our feet, leaving everyone curious about what other treasures might still lie undiscovered!”
The new, modern, purpose-built nursery opens in Autumn 2026 and will offer flexible 15 and 30-hour places for children aged three-plus.
To find out more about Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School, which is part of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust, and places at the new nursery, email: office@ourladylourdesdurham.org
For more information about BCCET, visit www.bccet.org.uk
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