Historical Medals

Archbishop Laud Executed, 1644/5, a silver medal by J. Roettier (struck c. 1680), bust right in cap and robes, rev. infant genii ascending to Heaven carrying mitre and crozier, below, a distant view of London, 58mm, 82.38g (MI I, 315/147; E 145). Two insignificant edge bruises at 12 and 6 o’clock, otherwise good very fine or better £600-£800

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of British Historical Medals, the Property of a Gentleman.

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William Laud (1573-1645) was a bishop in the Church of England. Appointed Archbishop of Canterbury by Charles I in 1633, he was a key advocate of the king's religious reforms. He opposed Calvinism and was regarded by Puritan clerics and laymen as a formidable and dangerous opponent. Arrested by Parliament in 1640, he was executed towards the end of the First Civil War in January 1644/5.