the days of Edward the Confessor, and they paid to the King the sum of
forty shillings.
This amount had been increased to ten pounds by the Conqueror when
Domesday Book was written, thus showing that the Nottingham Mint was
then a royal one.
One pound sterling was understood to be a pound weight of silver coined
into about 240 pennies. One penny would, in Saxon times, more than pay
a workman for his day’s labour, so that ten pounds was a large sum of
money in those days.
When we consider that the yield from this mint and these moneyers had
increased from two pounds to ten pounds, I think we may rightly assume
that they were looked upon as a considerable source of income by the
Exchequer.
Accepting this and knowing that such a large number of varieties of
coins were struck during the long period of about 230 years, in which
this mint is known to have existed, it is rather strange that these
early coins should be so seldom met with, and that some should be so
excessively rare. I know of no coins struck in Nottingham by any king
after the reign of Stephen.
_The Newark Mint._--As far as is known, only one Saxon King is
supposed to have struck money here, and only two Kings of later periods.
The first coin said to have been struck at Newark is that of King
Edwy, 955–959. Although the British Museum describes it as Newark,
Northamptonshire, there is little doubt that it was struck at Newark,
Notts, as Newark, Notts, is the only Newark mentioned in Domesday Book.
The next two Kings who were supposed to have issued pennies were Henry
I., 1100–1135, and Henry II., 1154–1189, and the place of minting Ne,
short for Newark. It is questionable if any coins were struck at Newark
in the reign of Henry I. It is probable that Henry I. granted a charter
to the Bishop of Lincoln to coin money at Newark, as we know a charter
to this effect was confirmed by Stephen, and coins of Stephen’s reign
struck at Newark are known to exist.
Henry II.--It is extremely doubtful if any coins of this reign were
struck at Newark.
_The Torksey Mint._--Ethelred II. (979–1016) is supposed to have
struck money here, but opinions differ upon this question. Turc being
short for Torksey, I am very much of opinion that these coins were
struck at Torksey, for in Saxon times Torksey was probably the most
important town between Nottingham and the Humber.
_The Shelford Mint._--Earl Sitric, who was killed in the battle of
Ashdown, A.D. 870, is understood to have struck coins here.
The first coin illustrated is that of Athelstan, 925–940. (No. 1.)
_Obverse._ Edelnod on Snotenceham.
_Reverse._ Edelnod on Snotenceham.
There is a coin of this reign in the British Museum with this same
reading on the reverse, and on the obverse--Edelstan re Saxorum.
This coin is rare and extremely interesting. It does not bear the
King’s name or any of his titles. Edelnod is the moneyer’s name, and
he was the moneyer for Nottingham and also for Derby. It has the same
reading on both sides, which is exceptional, and it is the first
authenticated coin struck at Nottingham, and the only coin having the
full reading Snotenceham; in all other Saxon or Norman coins struck in
Nottingham by any other Kings, the name of the city is abbreviated.
This abbreviation of the name of the city often occurred in deeds of
the period; in fact, we find it as late as in the charter granted by
Henry II., 1155, to Nottingham, and where the name reads “Noting” and
“Notingh.”
The “S” in the name of Nottingham was first dropped in the foundation
charter of Lenton Priory about the year 1108.
[Illustration: COINS: ATHELSTAN TO STEPHEN.
_From photographs by_ Mr. S. BARLOW VINES.]
Athelstan was the first monarch who paid any considerable attention
to his coinage, and it is from his laws that we first obtain any
authentic information about the mints.
In 928 he held a grand synod, at which Wulfhelme, Archbishop of
Canterbury, and all the great and powerful men of the kingdom were
assembled. They decided that the whole coinage of the realm should
be alike, and should bear the King’s portrait only, withdrawing the
privilege from the bishops, abbots, barons, &c., of having their
portraits struck upon the coins.
They also agreed that money should only be minted in a town, and
decided that each burg was entitled to one moneyer, but certain
places, on account of their importance, were entitled to two or more.
Nottingham had two, London eight, Canterbury seven, Winchester six, and
Rochester three. The penalty for establishing a private mint was death.
Considering that in these days Nottingham was divided into two burgs,
it is extremely probable that there were two mints--one for each burg.
The names of sixty different towns are known where money was minted.
From the fact that the coin illustrated has no portrait upon it, it
leads one to suppose it was struck in the early part of Athelstan’s
reign before the above law was enacted.
ETHELRED II., 979–1016, issued money from Nottingham.
The sceptre first appeared on the coins of Ethelred in front of the
profile, and this usage in subsequent reigns became general.
CANUTE, 1016–1035.
_Obverse._ Cnut recx. Head crowned to left with sceptre.
_Reverse._ Blamiam O Sno. (No. 2.)
_Obverse._ Cnut recx a. Head to left having on a conical helmet,
with sceptre.
_Reverse._ Bruninc on Snoti. (No. 3.)
_Obverse._ Cnut recx a. Head to left with sceptre; on head is a
conical helmet.
_Reverse._ Blacaman on Sno. (No. 4.)
All the coins of this reign have the place of mintage and the moneyer’s
name mentioned. The moneyer was responsible for the purity of the coins
and their just weight, under various penalties--firstly, his hand was
cut off, secondly, death; but in some few cases fines were imposed, as
instanced in the case of Swein, who was a moneyer at Nottingham during
the reign of Henry I. and Stephen. He was fined 100 shillings.
Numerous varieties of this coin are known, of which the three
illustrated show two different dies and three different moneyers. It is
not surprising to find coins of this monarch struck at Nottingham, as
his coins bear the names of more places of mintage than those of any
other reign.
HAROLD I., 1035–1040.
Two coins of this reign are known with the reading: Harold Rex and the
Moneyer Blacaman or Sacgrim. The abbreviated name was Sn.
HARDICANUTE, 1040–1042.
Although this King is mostly styled Harthacnut or Harthecnut, Re or
Rex, with the mint and moneyer always mentioned, in a known example
struck at Nottingham the reading is “Hardacn” and on the reverse,
“Plunod on Snot.”
EDWARD THE CONFESSOR, 1042–1066.
_Obverse._ Edpard Re.
_Reverse._ Blaceh on snotine. (No. 5.)
On all coins the Saxon “P” is used for “W” with one or two rare
exceptions.
His coins are very varied. On some of them the head is bearded. They
vary exceedingly in size and weight, but all appear to have had the
same nominal value.
Considering that eight different varieties of coins exist, which were
struck at Nottingham, with the place of minting Sn., Sno., Snoti.,
Snotih, and Znot, it seems strange that they should be so seldom met
with. During this reign halfpennies and farthings were first formed by
cutting the pennies in two or four parts, but none are known relating
to Nottingham.
HAROLD II., 1066.
_Obverse._ Harold Rex angl. Bust to left with sceptre.
_Reverse._ Forna on Snotn, and Pax between two beaded parallel
lines (No. 6).
Several varieties of these coins are known, but they are uncommon.
WILLIAM I., 1066–1087.
When the rule of England changed from Saxon to Norman there was no
alteration in the style of the coinage, and silver pennies continued to
be the sole current coin of the realm.
WILLIAM I., 1066–1087.
WILLIAM II., 1087–1100.
_Obverse._ Pillelm Rex.
_Reverse._ Iitsere on Snotin. (No. 7.)
_Obverse._ Pillelm Rex.
_Reverse._ Mana on Snoti. (No. 8.)
In the reigns of the two Williams the number of moneyers increased
considerably and at least ten are known, and the following abbreviated
readings of Nottingham are found on the coins:--Sn, Sno, Snot, Snoti,
Snotin, Snotig, Snotine, Snotinc, Snotinge, Snotigne.
Many varieties of coins were struck, but it is somewhat difficult to
assign the coins to their respective issuers.
HENRY I., 1100–1135.
_Obverse._ Henricus R. Front face with sceptre; at the side
of the neck is a cross of four pellets.
_Reverse._ Aldene on Sno. Quatrefoil inclosing cross of
pellets with a star in the centre. Fleur de lis in
the angles. (No. 9.)
STEPHEN, 1135–1154.
The coins of this reign are of very great interest, and more is known
about them since two hoards were found--one in 1867 at the old Hall at
Sheldon, near Bakewell, the other in 1880 in Rose Yard, Bridlesmith
Gate, Nottingham; a large portion being of the reign of Stephen and of
the Nottingham Mint, amongst them some few not previously known. During
this reign money is supposed to have been much debased, but none of
these debased specimens exist.
_Obverse._ Stiefne.
_Reverse._ Spein on Snot. (No. 10.)
_Obverse._ Stiefne: Re.
_Reverse._ Spein on Snot. (No. 11.)
_Obverse._ Stiefne: Re.
_Reverse._ Spein on Snot. (No. 12.)
Swein was the moneyer, the Saxon “P” being used for “W.”
It will be noticed that the obverse of each is defaced with a small
cross over the King’s face.
In Nos. 11 and 12, which are from the Nottingham find, we have, in
addition to the cross, a small pellet and a line cut in the die, and so
almost obliterating the King’s head.
It is now a very generally accepted fact that the partisans of
Matilda, having no dies except Stephen’s, used his dies, but did not
wish to acknowledge his title, and so cut a cross in the die to deface
the King’s head.
Probably these coins were issued by William Peverel II. of Nottingham
during Stephen’s captivity in 1141. Peverel, being Governor of
Nottingham and holding the Castle, would no doubt have control of the
mint during this troublous time. Examples exist with larger shaped
crosses and different from the above.
_Obverse._ Stiefner.
_Reverse._ Spein on Snot. (No. 13.)
_Obverse._ Stiefne: R.
_Reverse._ Spein on Snot. (No. 14.)
_Obverse._ Stiefne: Rex.
_Reverse._ Spein on Snot. (No. 15.)
_Obverse._ Stiefne.
_Reverse._ Spein on Snotig. (No. 16.)
Nos. 13, 14, 15 are from the Nottingham find, and have very fine large
profile busts, and are exceptionally fine specimens for coins of
Stephen. In No. 16, though the lettering is somewhat worn, the portrait
is good, but quite different from the others, it being struck in the
early part of his reign. It has the rare name of the place of minting
“Snotig.”
Other varieties exist struck at Nottingham, also cut halfpennies.
_Newark Siege Pieces._--During the years 1645 and 1646, the
Royalist party held Newark and set up a mint.
Many Royalist supporters gave their silver and silver gilt cups,
flagons, dishes, and family plate for the Royalist cause; others sold
their family plate for so much per ounce to be coined into money. This
coining down of thousands of ounces of silver plate belonging to the
nobility and gentry of the surrounding districts must have caused a
barbarous destruction of many ancient, rare, and valuable relics of
the highest interest to the towns of Nottingham and Newark.
_Extract from the Kings Proclamation at York._
“And such of our subjects as shall come to us--either to our
said town of Nottingham or to any other place where we shall
happen to encamp--and whosoever shall in this our danger and
necessity supply us either by gift or loan of money or plate.”
_From the circular letter of Loan which was sent about and delivered
by Troopers_:--
“... desire you forthwith to lend us the sum of Twenty Pounds
or the value thereof in Plate, touched Plate at five shillings,
untouched Plate at four shillings and fourpence per ounce ...
which we promise to repay as soon as God shall enable us.”
Charles I. was quite an old and experienced hand at borrowing money
as instanced in the private instructions sent to the Commissioners of
Nottingham some years previous to the siege of Newark:--
“That in your treating with your neighbours, about this
businesse, yee shew your own discretions and affections, by
making choice of such to begin with, who are likely to give the
best examples; and when yee have a competente number of hands
to the roll or liste of the lenders, that yee shew the same to
others as they come before yee, to lead them to lend in like
manner.”
In the Memoirs of Hampden we read:--
“The Midland Counties of England, however, undertook with great
alacrity to bear this charge. They voluntarily subscribed their
money and their plate. The Cities of London and Westminster were
forward and liberal in their contributions. The women brought in
their rings and jewels; the goldsmiths and silversmiths their
stock.”
In 1642 the King when at Nottingham, just about the breaking out of the
Civil War, received as a loan from the Universities nearly all their
plate, which was to be repaid at so much per ounce for white silver and
so much extra for the gilt silver. Most of this silver was minted at
York, but some was paid out in its original form to be sold for the
pay of the troops.
[Illustration: NEWARK SIEGE PIECES: HALF-CROWNS AND
SHILLINGS.
_From photographs by_ Mr. S. BARLOW VINES.]
In 1644 Parliament ordered all the King’s plate to be melted down and
coined, notwithstanding a remonstrance from the Lords alleging that the
curious workmanship of these ancient pieces of silver made them worth
more than the metal.
To such dire necessity were the Royalist party put for money, that
even at Newark some “regal” service of plate was used. These pieces of
money were roughly cut and curiously shaped. The city being besieged,
there would no doubt be an urgent demand for money, and the Royalists,
not having any dies or skilled workmen who could make them, they made
the best they could; for even if a man could not cut the likeness of
the King, he might not have much difficulty in cutting a crown, a few
letters, and figures. They were all struck upon lozenge-shaped flans,
which flans were cut direct from the silver plate.
The coins were of the value of 2s. 6d., 1s., 9d., and 6d., and must
have been struck from various dies, as several varieties exist dated
1645/1646. Numerous specimens are found gilt, showing they must have
been cut from services of gilt plate.
The general design of these coins is the same, namely:--
_Obverse._ C.R. (Carolus Rex) with a crown between, with
value expressed beneath in Roman numerals all within a single
pearled border.
_Reverse._ Obs. (Obsidium-Siege) Newark, with date beneath
in Arabic figures.
The two half-crowns, Nos. 17 and 18, show differently designed crowns.
On No. 18 may be seen marks of the pattern of the cup or salver from
which it was hastily cut.
The four shillings, numbered 19, 20, 21, and 22, show four distinct
crowns. On No. 19 a double pearled border may be traced.
On the reverse of No. 20, part of the Royal Arms may be seen;
undoubtedly this silver at one time formed part of some regal service
of plate. This is an extremely uncommon and interesting piece.
No. 21 has the letter “L” beneath the date 1645, which appears to be
a silversmith’s private stamp indicating the source from whence it
originally came.
On Nos. 19 and 22 the reading is “Newarke.”
The four ninepences, numbered 23, 24, 25, and 26, show three different
crowns, Nos. 25 and 26 being replicas. On the obverse of No. 25 there
are two “K’s” at the end of the word “Newarke,” showing this coin was
doubly struck.
The sixpences, numbered 27 and 28, are alike.
_Tokens._--During the seventeenth century money continued to be
extremely scarce, especially that of small denomination, probably
owing to the exactions made for the wars and to the poverty of the
inhabitants, and tokens--chiefly halfpennies and farthings of copper
or brass--were struck by corporate bodies, chamberlains, and all
descriptions of tradesmen with the names of the owners thereon to
facilitate easy purchase and ready settlement. These tokens were
superseded, after 1672, by the coinage of the realm.
A token in money is understood to be a coin issued by a private
individual or firm above its real value, but intrinsically a guarantee
of good faith of the issuer that he will pay the nominal value when
demanded.
The first mention of tokens is by Ruding. He quotes from the writer of
the _History of Allchester_ in 1622:--“King Edward, 1272–1307, his
leathern money bearing his name, stamp, and picture, which he used in
the building of Carnarvon, Beaumarish, and Conway Castles.”
[Illustration: NEWARK SIEGE PIECES: NINEPENCES AND
SIXPENCES.
_From photograph by_ Mr. S. BARLOW VINES.]
In Nottinghamshire 121 tokens are known representing halfpennies and
farthings, all of which were issued between the years 1650 to 1670. I
only illustrate a few:--
_Nottingham._
_Obverse._ Nottingham halfe penny chainged by ye
Chamberlain 1669.
_Reverse._ Arms of the Town of Nottingham. (No. 29.)
_Obverse._ Thomas Burrowes. A rose with Sm above.
_Reverse._ In Nottingham. A. Castle. (No. 30.) ½
_Obverse._ John Blunt at the Weeke. A man on horseback with
panniers.
_Reverse._ Day Cross of Nottingham Baker his halfpenny.
(No. 31.)
_Obverse._ Roger Hawksley 1666. Merchant Tailors’ Arms.
_Reverse._ in Nottingham. His halfpenny. (No. 32.)
_Obverse._ George Borzowes 1669. In Nottingham.
_Reverse._ Salathyell Groves. ½ under three goats’ heads.
(No. 33.)
_Bingham._
_Obverse._ Thomas Markham Chandler 1669.
_Reverse._ in Bingham his halfepenny. (No. 34.)
_Collingham._
_Obverse._ Thomas Ridge his halfpenny. The Grocers’ Arms.
_Reverse._ of Collingham Mercer 1664. The Mercers’ Arms
T.R. (No. 35.)
_Mansfield._
_Obverse._ Samuel Haulton. A pair of scales hanging from
chief wavy part of the Bakers’ Arms.
_Reverse._ of Mansfield 1664. His halfpenny. (No. 36.)
_Newark._
_Obverse._ Joshua Clarke Mercer in. Grocers’ Arms.
_Reverse._ Newark his halfpenny 1666. The Mercers’ Arms
I.C. (No. 37.)
_Retford._
_Obverse._ William Hall. His halfpenny.
_Reverse._ of Rettforde 1668--W.A.H. (No. 38.)
_Southwell._
_Obverse._ Gregory Silvester. Southwell.
_Reverse._ William Leaver 1664. G.S. W.L. (No. 39.) ½
_Worksop._
_Obverse._ Thomas Lee 1666. The Grocers’ Arms.
_Reverse._ in Wourksop--T.F.L. (No. 40.) ¼
During the latter part of the eighteenth century the coinage of copper
and silver money by the Government was totally inadequate for the
nation’s needs. This caused the revival of tokens. They were again
issued in very large numbers by all kinds of tradesmen, manufacturers,
and banks. The Bank of England alone in 1811 and 1812 issued no less
than fourteen million silver tokens of the value of 3s. and 1s. 6d.
Sir Edward Thomason, in his Memoirs, states:--
“The copper and silver change became so extremely scarce that
the demand for the manufacture of tokens to enable the masters
to pay their workmen their weekly wage was so great that I
had endless applications for both. I manufactured during this
year silver and copper tokens for Wales, Brecon, Gainsborough,
Newcastle-on-Tyne, and for many different establishments. In
1811 I manufactured above two million copper tokens for Samuel
Fereday, the great ironmaster, who employed 5000 people.”
Perhaps the most interesting tokens of this period were those of
the firm of Messrs. Robert Davison & John Hawksley of Arnold. Both
belonged to old Nottingham families; they were important business men
and well-known philanthropists, Mr. Hawksley being presented with the
freedom of the town of Nottingham.
[Illustration: TOKENS.
_From photograph by_ Mr. S. BARLOW VINES.]
The Hawksleys were maltsters, the Davisons hosiery manufacturers.
Mr. Davison gave up the hosiery business and joined Mr. Hawksley in
building a factory near Leen Side, Nottingham, for worsted spinning.
This factory was burned down in January 1791. They at once commenced
building new works at Arnold. These works were running before the end
of the year. They were situated near the site of Arnot Hill House
in which Mr. Hawksley lived. They did not prove a success, and the
machinery was sold and the factory demolished.
Mr. Hawksley died in 1815 and Mr. Davison in 1807.
The issuing of these tokens of such high value in copper wherewith to
pay their workpeople was exceptional.
It is strange that, although they issued these tokens in Arnold, I know
of none being issued from their Nottingham works. They were of the
value of 5s., 2s. 6d., 1s., and 6d., and all copper, but I have some
of the tokens plated in silver and in gilt. The crowns and half-crowns
are the most rare of all the Nottinghamshire tokens of this period. The
shillings and sixpences are not uncommon.
_Obverse._ Davison and Hawksley, and fleece suspended from
a tree.
_Reverse._ The Roman Fasces with the axe, spear, and a cap
of liberty in saltire, Arnold works. A. crown 1791.
(No. 41.)
The 2s. 6d., 1s., and 6d. pieces are similar, except in size and value.
A token for 5s. was issued from East Retford. This token was
countermarked on a Spanish dollar.
The Treasury and many firms throughout the Kingdom countermarked these
Spanish dollars and enormous numbers were in circulation, but this is
the only Nottinghamshire one known.
Messrs. Bolton & Whatt at their Soho Mint, Birmingham, countermarked
over three millions previous to 1804.
On one occasion forty tons of dollars were taken from two Spanish
frigates captured by the British fleet. This specie was taken to
Plymouth and then forwarded on to the Bank of England.
A silver token for 1s. was issued by the timekeepers.
_Obverse._ A griffin, with wings displayed, gorged, issuant
from a ducal coronet; legend, one shilling token
sterling silver.
_Reverse._ For the use of the inns at Derby, Ashbourne,
Chesterfield, Nottingham, Leicester, Lichfield,
Burton, &c.
H. Morgan issued shillings and sixpences:--
_Obverse._ The arms of Leicester, vert, a cinquefoil,
between two sprigs of olive. One shilling silver
tokens.
_Reverse._ Notts, Derby, Leicester, Northampton, and
Rutland shilling silver tokens. The outer
legend--Morgan, licensed manufacturer, 12 Rathbone
Place, London. (No. 42.)
Messrs. Donald & Co. issued a halfpenny token:--
_Obverse._ Donald & Co., stocking manufacturers, wholesale
and retail. Promissory halfpenny, payable Notting^m, or
_Reverse._ A beehive with bees, No. 29 Hull Street,
Birmingham, 1792. (No. 43.)
There are five or six varieties of these copper tokens. When the
first die was made it was found that the word “promissory” was spelt
“promissary.” This error was rectified by cutting “o” over the “a.”
Afterwards fresh dies were made with the word spelt correctly.
[Illustration: TOKENS.
_From photographs by_ Mr. S. BARLOW VINES.]
The Newstead Abbey token for one penny:--
_Obverse._ A view of Newstead Abbey. The words Newstead Abbey,
and on the raised outer circle “Nottinghamshire,” and
in small letters the name of the engraver Jacobs.
_Reverse._ Two palm branches and the letters “T.G.”, and on
the raised outer border “British Penny” and the date
1797. Round the edge of the coin is impressed the
words--“I promise to pay on demand the bearer one
penny.” (No. 44.)
In 1811 silver tokens were issued at Newark, value 1s. There are four
varieties of these. Probably the issuing of these pieces by a number of
tradesmen was done in order to share the cost of the die and to procure
a quantity of tokens at a cheaper rate, and also to inspire confidence.
_Obverse._ A view of the Town Hall with inscription--“Town
Hall, 1811.” Newark silver token for one shilling.
_Reverse._ The current value payable in cash notes. T.
Stansall, Cha^s Moore, Rich^d Fisher, W^m Fillingham,
W^m Readitt, and T. Wilson. (No. 45.)
Thomas Stansall was a grocer, Charles Moore a chemist, Richard Fisher
and William Fillingham drapers, William Readitt a grocer, Thomas Wilson
a brazier.
Copper tokens for one penny were also issued in 1811, of which three
varieties exist:--
_Obverse._ A view of Newark Castle and the river, with date
1811. “Newark token for one penny.”