James II (1685-1688)

Silver Medal

Archbishop Sancroft and the Bishops, 1688

Struck Silver Medal by George Bower, bust of Sancroft right, wearing a cap and clerically robed, rev medallic portraits and the names of the Bishop of London and the six other imprisoned bishops, 50mm (Eimer 288a; MI i 622/37). Small edge bruise at 10:30 on obv, otherwise nicely toned and about extremely fine.

In April 1688 James II issued a second Declaration of Indulgence giving Catholics and non-conformists religious freedom. This led to open resistance from Anglicans and few clergy read out the indulgence in Church. William Sancroft, Archbishop of Canterbury, and six other Bishops presented a petition to the King declaring the Indulgence illegal. James regarded this as rebellion and sedition and promptly had the seven bishops tried; however, the bishops were acquitted.

The popularity of this medal meant that casts were made to satisfy demands but this is an original struck example.

£350 Contact Us . . .