Tavern check, Three Tuns Inn, Stafford

Description:A two pence tavern check issued by W. & J. Wright, proprietors of the Three Tuns Inn, 33 Gaolgate Street, Stafford, probably in the 1820s. W. & J. Wright were also provision merchants at 26 Gaolgate Street and 32 Lovatt Street. This token could have been spent at all three premises. W. & J. Wright appear at these three adresses in local directories of 1884-1889, William Wright also appearing alone at the Three Tuns in 1890 and 1891.

During the 19th century it was common for publicans and licencees to issue their own tokens or 'checks'. Most of the checks issued in Staffordshire were made by Birmingham and Black Country diesinkers and stamping workshops. They could be spent on beer or games at the pub named on the check, which also served as advertisements for the named hostelry. Often the publican's name was also stamped on the check. This meant that that it could only be spent when he or she was the licensee; a new licensee may not have honoured the payment.

Two pence token. Hole punched through medallion.
Obverse: 'GEORIVS III DEI GRATIA'. profile of George III.
Reverse: 'W. & J. WRIGHT PROVISION MERCHANTS 26 GAOLGATE ST / & 32 LOVATT STREET - STAFFORD / THREE TUNS INN 2D'.
Edge milled.