Charles II (1660-1685)

Silver Medal

Murder of Sir Edmond Berry Godfrey (1621-1678)

By George Bower, bust of Godfrey right, two hands strangling him with his cravat, rev., the Pope watches as Godfrey is murdered by Robert Green, TANTVM RELLIGIO POTVIT, dated on lettered edge, edge inscribed CERVICE FRACTA FIDEM. SVSTVLIT ATLAS XNS 1678, 39mm (MI 577/247, Eimer 257a). Extremely fine.

The murder of Godfrey remains something of a mystery. Supposedly instigated by the Roman Catholics, in December 1678 one Miles Prance, was arrested for conspiracy and confessed that he had taken part in the murder which was committed in the courtyard of Somerset House. He stated that Godfrey was strangled in the presence of three priests, Robert Green, Lawrence Hill and Henry Berry. Hill and Berry were arrested and in February 1679 they were hanged.

Note:

With old ticket

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