Where is the Money Kept?

Wealth in Tudor England took up space. Much of a wealthy family's money would be valued in gold and silver “plate” (plates and serving pieces), cutlery and candlesticks. These could be melted down and used as large sums of coined money.

Fear of losing money, especially to fire, created an obsession with tallying money at home and at the counting house. Coin money and important documents could be kept in a strong box like the one we have at Agecroft Hall.

This iron strong box from Agecroft Hall can be found in the Gentleman’s Study - where Master Dauntesey would have conducted his private business. It dates from 1650 (10 years before the reign of Charles II). There are two false locks on the front. The true lock mechanism is recessed under the center of the top beneath the plate. This lock shoots five bolts for security. If Master Dauntesey kept money in his home, this is where he could keep it secure. Though this is a utilitarian object, the details on the straps, the painted floral decoration and the twisted iron handles make it beautiful as well as secure.