Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 22007 - British and World Coins and Commemorative Medals Autumn Auction
Lot: 738

Archbishop Sancroft and the Bishops, Struck AR Medal, 1688, by G. Bower, * GVIL • SANCROFT • ARCHIEPISC • CANTVAR • 1688 •, wearing cap and clerically robed bust right, rev. seven medallions containing busts, clerically robed, of William Lloyd, Francis Turner, John Lake, Henry Compton, Thomas Ken, Thomas White and Sir John Trelawney; a field of stars, SI FRACTUS ILLABATUR ORBIS IMPAUIDOS FERIENT RUINAE on edge, 50mm, 52.09g (Eimer 288; MI 622/37; Harding 5 this medal), the edge lettering struck off centre, otherwise with brilliant surfaces beneath dark grey surfaces, blue toning in parts, as struck

In late April 1688, James II issued a second Declaration of Indulgence, offering freedom of religious preference to Catholics and Non-conformists. The Archbishop of Canterbury, together with six of his bishops (St. Asaph, Bath and Wells, Ely, Chichester, Peterborough and Bristol), refused to permit the reading, of the Declaration in their churches. As a result of this, and at James' insistence, they were committed to the Tower of London on charges of seditious libel which carried the death penalty. They were brought to trial on 29 June, but acquitted the following morning to great and general rejoicing, the jury having sat all night. The event gave rise to the publication of a number of medals both in this country and the continent.

Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Sold for
£520

Starting price
£400