1928 penny buried in County Durham discovered by pupils

The 1928 coin was uncovered during nursery building works at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School in Shotton Colliery.

Reception pupils Mirabel and Lester, both five, described the coin as “treasure” and said they were “thrilled” by the find.

1928 coin uncovered during nursery building works (Image: Supplied)

Lester said: “It was so exciting to find treasure!”

Lynsey Wetherell, EYFS lead at the school, 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 King George V penny prompted conversations about life in Shotton Colliery a century ago, with pupils imagining who might have held the coin and what the area once looked like.

1928 coin uncovered during nursery building works (Image: Supplied)

Ms Wetherell said: “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.

“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 school’s new purpose-built nursery is set to open in Autumn 2026 and will offer flexible 15 and 30-hour places for children aged three and above.

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School is part of the Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust.

To learn more about nursery places, email office@ourladylourdesdurham.org.

Details about the trust are available at www.bccet.org.uk.