The Lion and Candle

ID:

96.66/194

Production date:

mid 17th century; 1648-1673; 1666

Location:

In Store

Trade tokens were used as small change at a time when there were few low denomination coins, which made it difficult to make small purchases. They were issued by businesses like pubs and coffee houses. Trade tokens can be used to trace the movement of businesses after the Great Fire of London as their inscriptions include the names of the owners and from where they operated. This token was issued by Ralph Butcher, who was forced to move his business outside Bishopsgate after the fire.  < ...Read more

Trade tokens were used as small change at a time when there were few low denomination coins, which made it difficult to make small purchases. They were issued by businesses like pubs and coffee houses. Trade tokens can be used to trace the movement of businesses after the Great Fire of London as their inscriptions include the names of the owners and from where they operated. This token was issued by Ralph Butcher, who was forced to move his business outside Bishopsgate after the fire.

The inscription reads:
Obverse: Ralph.Butcher.1666
Reverse: WITHOVT.BISHOPS.GATE [image of a lion rampant, above a stick of candles]

His previous premises had been at Tower Street. This area had suffered badly during the fire as the authorities were very anxious to keep the fire away from the Tower of London where a huge store of gunpowder was kept. Houses not destroyed in the flames were demolished to create fire breaks. < Hide

Measurements

DM 17 mm; WT 1.18 g

Materials

copper alloy

Last Updated

2024-03-26