John Wackett trade-token
Object number
LDVAL 2005.16.1
Date
after 1860
Description
Metal trade-token to the value of 40/~ (shillings or pence?). Bears the name of John Wackett of Spitalfields. John Wackett (b. 1838) was a farmer from Dagenham who lived in Rose Lane Farm.
Spitalfields takes its name from the hospital and priory, St. Mary's Spittel that was founded in 1197. It was in a field next to the priory where the now famous market first started in the thirteenth century. After the Great Fire of London destroyed much of the city, King Charles II granted John Balch a Royal Charter that gave him the right to hold a market on Thursdays and Saturdays in or near Spital Square. As the area grew in popularity, Spitalfields became a parish in its own right in 1729 when Hawkesmoor's Christ Church was consecrated. For the next 200 years the market continued to blossom. Trading from a collection of sheds and stalls, doing its best to cope with London's growing population and appetite for fresh fruit and vegetables. As time went by, it became a centre for the sale of home grown produce, which was being traded there six days a week
Physical description
Hexagonal metal trade token made from copper or brass.
Condition
Good
Type
trade-token
Size
Whole length: 32mm
width: 28mm
Depth: 1mm
Collection type
Social history
Inscription
Inscription Cast On Front: JOHN WACKETT SPITALFIELDS
Inscription Cast On reverse: 40/~
Alternative reference
Entry Number 1634 (2005-08-26)
Looking for recordsGallery
| Metadata | |
|---|---|
| Start date | after 1860 |
| Institution | Valence House Museum |
| Type | trade-token |
| Collection type | Social history |