QUEENS BOUNTY 1770

Thomas Harrison Writing to Samuel Seddon Esq. Secretary to Queens Bounty in Piccadilly, London.

Requests some action on behalf of George Younge who…

“is in great want of his money and would be glad poor man, to have it, or to know when he may have reason to expect it“

“The other Commoners were not at home or would have given you their names also.”

If you and the governors are satisfied about the title as it was certified for before by Mr. Hardcastle (and) Council, in all justice and humanity you cannot refuse (please) endeavour to complete this dilatory affair.

We should be glad to hear when there is any chance of the money’s being ready which will greatly oblige.

Dated at Bedale 11 September 1770 Endorsed Answered 7 November 1770

It is my belief that this request is for payment of “ Money”

Maundy money as such started in the reign of Charles II with an undated issue of hammered coins in 1662. The coins were a four , three penny, two penny and one penny piece but it was not until 1670 that a dated set of all four coins appeared. Prior to this, ordinary coinage was used for Maundy gifts, silver alone being used by the Tudors and Stuarts for the ceremony

The Royal Maundy is an ancient ceremony that has its origin in the commandment Christ gave after washing the feet of his disciples on the day before .

It is a tradition that is still enacted during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II

The set of coins illustrated with the Letter are part of my display page

THE LETTER 1770

THE MAUNDY MONEY George III 1780 Maundy Set