When Edward Parker lost his wallet 65 years ago in Lambeth Palace, the most difficult thing for him was not losing the cash, but rather losing the treasured photos of his loved ones.
Parker had no expectations of finding his wallet ever again.
But all that changed recently, when a builder found the wallet lodged behind an old bookshelf while performing some restoration work at the palace. And with some help, he managed to track down Parker.
The wallet is a time capsule of photographs, business cards, and the good old times of not so long ago.
The wallet contained the only photo he has with his father, some pictures of his mother, and a beautiful photo of the woman he loves — the same woman who is by his side to this very day.
Edward and his wife, Constance. They’re both 90 years young and still together.
Constance recalls the day her husband lost the wallet: “I knew he was upset. He came in and said ‘I lost my wallet’ and I said ‘Never mind’.”
The couple are now living together in a care home in Essex.
A photo taken on the day that Constance told her husband they’re going to be parents. She recalls being afraid to break the news because they didn’t have any money.
One of the puzzle pieces that helped locate the wallet’s owner.
The wallet also contained a national service card issued in 1944 and a chest x-ray sent to him in 1948, the same year the UK’s National Health System (NHS) was founded.
A hand-written invoice — a norm back then, but a rarity today.
His business card has an address but no telephone number . It gives us a glimpse into how people did business back then.
Two stamps with King George VI’s portrait.
An old union card.
The discovery of the wallet has brought back to the couple many memories of the days long gone past. To this day, it serves as a beautiful reminder of their lasting bond as a couple. Constance says she’ll now hand the wallet to their daughter.