Post-Medieval — Mid 17th century; 1648-1673; 1666
Unknown
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 James Beech, who ran a business at the bottom of Garlick Hill, just off Thames Street.
The inscription reads:
Obverse: IAMES BEECH IN SWAN. ALLY. AT. YE. FOOT. OF. GAR
Reverse: LICK.HILL.IN.THAMES.STREET = HIS HALFE PENNY 1666
Garlick Hill was consumed on the second day of the fire. Afterwards James moved to Bow Street near Covent Garden. He was fortunate to have enough money to re-start his business elsewhere. Others were not so lucky and were financially ruined.
- Category:
- Post-Medieval
- Object ID:
- 96.66/1130
- Object name:
- unknown
- Object type:
- Artist/Maker:
- Beech, James
- Related people:
- Related events:
- Related places:
Garlick Hill, Upper Thames Street, Coleman Street Ward, City of London, London [City of London], City of London
- Production date:
- mid 17th century; 1648-1673; 1666
- Material:
copper alloy
- Measurements/duration:
- DM 22 mm, WT 1.55 g
- Part of:
- —
- On display:
- —
- Record quality:
- 100%
- Part of this object:
- —
- Owner Status & Credit:
Permanent collection
- Copyright holder:
digital image © London Museum
- Image credit:
- —
- Creative commons usage:
- —
- License this image:
To license this image for commercial use, please contact the London Museum Picture Library.