Moon landing front page uncovered during bookshop makeover
An extraordinary piece of history has been uncovered during the refurbishment of a bookshop.
Owner of The Oundle Bookshop Sam Draper discovered a pristine copy of the Daily Mail from July 21, 1969 – printed 57 years ago today – hidden behind an old bookcase.
The newspaper, carefully tucked away and preserved for almost six decades, features the iconic front-page headline announcing the first Moon landing: MAN ON THE MOON, with the subhead describing how Neil Armstrong “at the last moment grabs the controls to hop over ‘football field crater’”.
The discovery was made during the 120-year-old bookshop’s refurbishment ahead of its reopening in early September.
It is believed the newspaper was deliberately placed behind the shelving during an earlier renovation to mark one of the defining moments of the 20th century, creating an unexpected time capsule for future generations.
Sam said: “The Moon landing was one of those moments that people remember exactly where they were when it happened.
“It’s rather lovely to think that someone wanted to preserve that moment for whoever came next.
“For almost six decades, this newspaper has been quietly waiting to be discovered behind the bookcase.
“It’s a lovely reminder that while we’re beginning a new chapter for the bookshop, we’re simply custodians of a much longer story.
“We feel incredibly privileged to be playing a small part in the life of a building with such an extraordinary history.”
Luke Butcher, co-founder and director of Butcher Bayley Architects, said: “Finding this newspaper is a lovely reminder that caring for a building is about much more than the fabric of the place.
“It’s about understanding its history, respecting its character and making thoughtful changes so it can continue to serve its community for generations to come.”
The rediscovered front page also captures the wider world on July 21, 1969.
Other headlines include coverage of Senator Edward Kennedy facing charges following the Chappaquiddick incident, in which a young woman died after his car left a bridge, and a story headlined Riddle of the Russian Luna Ship as the space race continued to grip the world.
Inside, the newspaper reports on fighting around the Suez Canal, while the property pages advertise a five-bedroom ‘modern residence’ in Peterborough, complete with gardens, garage and two reception rooms, for just £4,900.
Even the sports pages provide a glimpse into another era, with optimism that Britain’s young Davis Cup team, including Graham Stilwell, Mark Cox and Peter Curtis, could reach the final. The back page also features the much-loved Spot the Ball competition, once a familiar fixture for newspaper readers across the country.
The refurbishment has been designed to celebrate the building’s heritage while creating a welcoming new home for readers for many years to come.
Oundle Bookshop is expected to reopen in early September.