Welsh Journals

The Royal /Amt, 6berystwytb. HE county mints of Charles I., and especially those in smaller towns are, says Henry Symonds, F.B.A., so veiled in obscurity that even the attribution of their coins is in some cases still a matter of debate." Under these circumstances it may be useful to call attention to certain written details of the work carried on at one of these towns, with the view of increasing our knowledge of the methods employed, and quickening our interest in the products of the undertaking. It was on the 22nd October, 1636, that Charles was addressed in a petition by Thomas Bushell, who therein reminds his Majesty that, on the 12th May, 1625, the King—" finding Sir Hugh Middle- ton's endeavours bent for the public good "-had granted him, by letters patent, "for 31 years, all the mines royal in the county of Cardigan, with a proviso that all the silver should be coined at the Mint in London, which has been done to the value of £ 50,000." The recent death of Sir Hugh, be it noted, had opened the way for Bushell to come into Cardiganshire, and carry on the working of the silver mines discovered in the county by Sir Hugh. Bushell prays his King that the privileges granted to Sir Hugh may be ratified to him. Although the silver ore grows richer in value by a third part, yet in regard to inundation by water, and Sir Hugh's demise, the mines are likely to decay, and the greatest treasure in the King's dominions to be buried in the earth." On the 14th October, just eight days previous to his petitioning the King, Bushell had bought the lease of the mines from Dame Elizabeth, widow of Sir Hugh, under an annual rent," as he says- that by way of adit, petitioner may make it work worthy the Royal Name." Charles was inclined to look favourably on Bushell, since he endeavours to perfect the silver mines in Wales, without the aid of the King's purse." Other reasons were that there had been" brought to the mint, these 16 years, of pure silver 100 lbs. weekly, and were it not for the present inundations, they might as easily land the worth of 100 lbs. oj ore a day, as they have done weekly." Bushell knew full well how to get the ear of the evasive Charles. He urged" that the possibility of those great riches should not be buried in oblivion for want of the King's favour, as the great treasure of the West Indies was to his Majesty's predecessors, by omitting the time when it was offered them." Oh wily Bushell Charles referred the petition 11 to the Council to take orders for the satisfying of the petitioner." The Council, on the 6th November, ordered Attorney General Bankes to examine the grant made to Sir Hugh, and to certify to the Lord Treasurer and Lord Cottington