This is a genuine 17th-century London trade token, dated 1666, from the bustling streets of Drury Lane.

Trade tokens like this were a vital part of everyday life in 17th-century England.

At a time when official small change was in short supply, local merchants created their own tokens, stamped with their names or business details. 

These tokens were used in markets, inns, and shops, a practical solution to a very real problem.

Drury Lane was a bustling area in London known for its markets and theatres and the date 1666 also carries the weight of history, as it was a year of both tragedy and resilience. 

That was the year of the Great Fire of London, a catastrophic blaze that tore through the heart of the city, 

destroying thousands of homes, businesses, and landmarks. 

It was a disaster that reshaped London forever, paving the way for its rebuilding and transformation into the city we know today.

It’s incredible to imagine the hands that once held this token. Perhaps it was used to buy a pint of ale in a tavern, or maybe to pay for goods in a busy market. 

Each token has a story, and this one connects us directly to the people of London over 350 years ago.