Not Just the Tudors Mystery of the Cheapside Hoard
Jun 9, 2025
In this engaging discussion, historian and author Victoria Shepherd sheds light on the Cheapside Hoard, an extraordinary collection of Elizabethan jewelry unearthed in 1912. She explores its glittering origins, revealing how the diverse treasures reflect the socio-economic and cultural dynamics of their time. The mysteries surrounding the hoard's burial and the intriguing life of its discoverer, Stony Jack, provide a fascinating backdrop. Shepherd also links the jewels to significant historical events, including colonialism and personal ambition, capturing the allure of this hidden treasure.
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Discovery of the Cheapside Hoard
- In June 1912, laborers digging a cellar in Cheapside uncovered a wooden casket filled with Elizabethan and Jacobean jewels.
- The discovery revealed a dazzling collection including Colombian emeralds, Burmese rubies, and Iranian turquoise, known today as the Cheapside Hoard.
Stony Jack's Crucial Role
- George Fabian Lawrence, aka Stony Jack, was key to the hoard's discovery and acquisition.
- He cultivated trust with laborers by teaching them rudimentary archaeology and offered fair splits of the value for finds.
Passion Over Profit for Stony Jack
- Stony Jack was driven less by money and more by a deep connection to history through objects.
- He connected artifacts to their owners and cultures, slipping between eras in his imagination, despite the conflict with his museum role.