Post-Medieval — 1666-11-26; 17th century
Great Fire receipt from Cowfold
After the Great Fire of London, King Charles II declared a national day of fast on Wednesday 10 October 1666. Money was collected at churches across the country and given to the Lord Mayor to distribute to homeless and destitute Londoners. This receipt records that the village of Cowfold in Sussex contributed 53 shillings and nine pence to the fund (about £400 in modern money). In total over £16,400 was raised, though the cost of the fire was an estimated £10 million. Matters were not helped by the Lord Mayor, Sir William Bolton, allegedly embezzling £1800 from the fund.
The receipt reads:
Received the 26th day of November 1666 of Mr Thomas Lintott - returned from Cowfold in Sussex - the Summe of fifty three shillings and nine pence - which was collected in the said Parish on the Fast Day, being the 10th day of October 1666, towards the Relief of those Persons who have been great Sufferers by the late Sad Fire within the City of London. (signature). By order of the Lord Mayor. Sa.: Kendall.
- Category:
- Post-Medieval
- Object ID:
- A13271
- Object name:
- Great Fire receipt from Cowfold
- Object type:
- Artist/Maker:
- —
- Related people:
- Related events:
- Related places:
- Production date:
- 1666-11-26; 17th century
- Material:
paper, ink
- Measurements/duration:
- H 100 mm, W 155 mm (unframed), H 170 mm, W 225 mm, D 18 mm (framed)
- 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:
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