Episode Title: Mystery of the Cheapside Hoard
Host: Professor Suzannah Lipscomb
Release Date: June 9, 2025
Podcast: Not Just the Tudors

Introduction

In the episode titled "Mystery of the Cheapside Hoard" from the podcast Not Just the Tudors, hosted by Professor Suzannah Lipscomb, listeners are taken on an enthralling journey through history, unraveling the enigmatic story of the Cheapside Hoard. This remarkable discovery bridges the Elizabethan era with the early 20th century, shedding light on the intricate interplay between historical artifacts, colonialism, and the evolution of modern London.

The Discovery of the Cheapside Hoard

The episode begins with Professor Lipscomb setting the scene of June 18, 1912, when two laborers unearthed a wooden casket in Cheapside, London. This find, later termed the Cheapside Hoard, consisted of a dazzling array of Elizabethan jewels, including Colombian emeralds, Burmese rubies, and Iranian turquoise.

Notable Quote:
"It was just these laborers who arrived on the corner of Friday Street and Cheapside... they were the finders. And these workmen will remain nameless, but they found as they were nonetheless."
— Professor Suzannah Lipscomb [04:56]

Introducing Victoria Shepherd

Joining Professor Lipscomb is Victoria Shepherd, a distinguished historian and author of Stony Jack and the Lost Hoard of Cheapside. Shepherd delves deeper into the circumstances surrounding the hoard's discovery, emphasizing the role of Stoney Jack—a pivotal figure whose streetwise acumen was instrumental in recognizing the value of the found jewels.

The Role of Stoney Jack

Stoney Jack, whose real name was George Fabian Lawrence, was an antiquities dealer with connections to major museums. Shepherd explains how Jack educated laborers in rudimentary archaeology, fostering trust that led to the acquisition of the hoard.

Notable Quote:
"He knew what to look for and knew what they might have found... they trusted him that if they brought him something that was junk, he would pay them in a half pint of beer. But if it was something valuable, he would split the value."
— Victoria Shepherd [09:07]

Ethical Quandaries and Legal Battles

The discovery of the Cheapside Hoard ignited a complex legal battle over ownership. Under British law, specifically the concept of "treasure trove," items composed of over 50% precious metal typically belonged to the Crown. However, the hoard's composition was diverse, leading to disputes among the London Museum, the British Museum, the VA, and Guildhall.

Notable Quote:
"The wrangling and kind of subterfuge about who owned it... ran and ran was only finally divided up in 1916 when begrudgingly the London Museum... decided to do the right thing and give a share to the British Museum and to the VA and to the Guildhall."
— Victoria Shepherd [15:27]

Contents of the Hoard: A Glimpse into Elizabethan Wealth

Shepherd provides a detailed description of the hoard's contents, highlighting its richness and diversity. The collection included extravagant items like the Salamander set with emeralds and diamonds, as well as more modest pieces such as finger rings with semi-precious stones depicting mythological and religious symbols.

Notable Quote:
"There's such a diverse group of objects from the very blingy... to the less obviously ostentatious are some of the most interesting because they're packed with superstitious meaning."
— Victoria Shepherd [18:14]

Superstition, Magic, and Toadstones

Intertwining history with folklore, Shepherd discusses the presence of toadstones in the hoard—believed to offer protection to newborns and women who had just given birth. These fossils, though unglamorous, held significant superstitious value, illustrating the Elizabethans' deep-rooted beliefs and the symbolic importance of certain gemstones.

Notable Quote:
"I would argue that the superstitious currency may be the more enduring than the financial value. That's what leaks out of it."
— Victoria Shepherd [28:23]

Recent Discoveries and Identification of the Hoard's Owner

Advancements in research have shed new light on the hoard's origins. A tiny carnelian intaglio bearing the insignia of Viscount Stafford helped date the burial to after 1640. Further research into lease books connected the hoard to Francis Simpson, a royal jeweler embroiled in the English Civil War. Simpson's royalist affiliations and his circumstances during the war suggest that the hoard was buried to protect valuables amidst political turmoil.

Notable Quote:
"When you know that burial is after 1640 and that Francis Simpson and his brother were on that site... suddenly you start to hone in and you can see a very logical explanation."
— Victoria Shepherd [43:30]

The Haunting Ghost of the Cheapside Hoard

Adding a layer of mystery, the episode explores the legend of a ghost associated with the hoard. Reports emerged of a spectral figure claiming ownership of the jewels, particularly after the tumultuous period of World War I. This ghost story reflects the Edwardian fascination with the Tudor era and the broader anxieties surrounding ownership and the legacy of empire.

Notable Quote:
"The ghost... is a question that nobody knew who they were, nobody knew why they'd buried such beautiful and interesting objects and not come back for them, continued to haunt them."
— Victoria Shepherd [35:45]

Empire, Colonialism, and the Global Tale of the Hoard

The Cheapside Hoard serves as a microcosm of the broader narratives of empire and colonialism. Shepherd highlights the global origins of the gems—from lapis lazuli in Afghanistan to garnets in India and emeralds from Colombia—underscoring the interconnectedness of global trade and the exploitation inherent in colonial ventures.

Notable Quote:
"This astonishing story of how these incredible natural resources had been brought from the colonies... is an absolute whirlwind and far stranger a story of empire and its resources than I could ever have guessed before I wrote the book."
— Victoria Shepherd [50:24]

Conclusion: Legacy and Exhibition

The episode concludes with anticipation for the 2025 exhibition of the Cheapside Hoard at the Museum of London in Smithfield, marking its return after 11 years. This exhibition promises to offer fresh insights and celebrate the enduring legacy of the hoard.

Notable Quote:
"One of the things you mention in your book is the discovery of toadstones among the collection... they had this enormous cachet."
— Victoria Shepherd [28:23]

Key Takeaways

• Cheapside Hoard: A significant collection of Elizabethan jewels discovered in 1912, comprising both extravagant and modest pieces with deep historical and superstitious significance.

• Stoney Jack: George Fabian Lawrence, an antiquities dealer instrumental in identifying and acquiring the hoard, driven more by a passion for history than financial gain.

• Legal and Ethical Complexities: The discovery sparked a prolonged legal battle over ownership, reflecting early 20th-century attitudes towards treasure trove and colonial artifacts.

• Cultural Significance: The hoard offers insights into Elizabethan displays of wealth, superstitions, and the global nature of the gem trade intertwined with colonialism.

• Ghost Legend: The haunting tale of a ghost associated with the hoard adds a mystical dimension, mirroring contemporary fascinations with the Tudor past.

• Modern Legacy: Upcoming exhibitions aim to re-examine and celebrate the hoard, highlighting its enduring relevance in understanding London's historical tapestry.

This episode of Not Just the Tudors masterfully intertwines historical facts with engaging storytelling, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the Cheapside Hoard's discovery, significance, and lasting impact on London's cultural heritage.