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Bradford on Avon Tradesmen’s Tokens
Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire
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The failure of government to issue coins of small denominations in the mid 17th century meant that by the 1650s there was a desparate shortage halfpennies and farthings. To make up for the deficiency local tradesmen all over England turned to issuing their own. It was not until 1672 that Charles II’s treasury began issuing small change and the local tokens were no longer needed.
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During the French Wars, from the 1790s to 1815, another lack of small coinage occurred. Between 1807 and 1821 no official copper coins were struck, causing major problems. For a period of 4 years, between 1811 and 1815, numerous factories, tradespeople, publicans and even workhouses issued tokens.
The other side of a token (seen to the left) that was issued by wealthy clothier Paul Methuen (died 1667) “in Bradford”.
A token issued by William Chandler in 1663. The reverse has the arms of the Company of Grocers.
A token of John Curle jr, issued in Freshford. Curle had interests in Bradford and endowed a charity.
Both sides of a token of Daniel Deverell of Frankleigh 1663
Tokens from other towns were also used in Bradford. This one was issued in Bristol in the 1650s and was found in Budbury, Bradford on Avon.
The later tokens, after the 17th century, were of much higher quality. This one was issued by the Holt Spa in the 1790s.