A farthing token issued in the name of the White Horse in Stable Yard, Westminster
The above copper farthing measures 16.3 mm and weighs 1.20 grams. It was issued in the name of a tradesman operating from premises marked by the sign of the White Horse in Stable Yards, St. Margaret’s Parish, Westminster.
Obverse: (rosette) AT.THE.WHITE.HORSE , around the depiction of a horse running left.
Reverse:IN. STABLE.YARD.WESTMIN. , around twisted wire inner circle, a triad comprising I | (rosette) N (rosette) | (rosette) I , within.
Part of the Parish of St. Margaret’s, Westminster showing the location of Stable Yard (c.1720)
Since before the 17th century the sign of the White Horse was commonly used by inns and taverns and it is highly likely that the token in question was issued by such an establishment located in Stable Yard off Kings Street. The token’s issuer (i.e. Mr. and Mrs. I. or J. N.) have not as yet been identified. An examination of the Hearth Tax returns for Stable Yard from 1666 indicates no residents with initials which fit those in the triad on the token’s reverse. On stylistic grounds it is likely that the farthing token in question was most likely issued several years before the mid 1660s so it is possible that its issuers had moved on by the time of the 1666 Hearth Tax assessment.
Mr. Pepys' Small Change 
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Very interesting post. I’m researching the history of The Grey Coat Hospital School, and one of our first boys (George Smart, attended 1698-1700) was apprenticed to a joiner in White Horse Yard. I had been using Rocque’s map, and could not find a White Horse near enough, but this one must be it! The school was originally in Broad Sanctuary, and Mr Huddlestone the joiner (ane George) was employed to make the benches for the new school at Tothill Fields. Thank you for solving that query!
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Glad to be of assistance.
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Excellent site, please do not let it change.
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