George IV Period, York Minster Oak & Silver Snuff Box, 1829

George IV Period, York Minster Oak & Silver Snuff Box, 1829

Code: 10109

Dimensions:

H: 2.5cm (1")W: 7.8cm (3.1")D: 5.5cm (2.2")

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PRIVATE COLLECTION JAPAN

Snuff box commemorating the York Minster fire of 1829
Oak with silver plaque
English, 1829
Measures: 2.5cm (1") x 7.8cm (3.1") x 5.5cm (2.2")

Of well figured dark oak. The hinged lid has a circular, hand-engraved silver plaque inscribed "Made From The Ruins of York Minster / Burnt Feb. 2. 1829" with the owner's initials "JRL"

On the night of 1st/2nd February 1829 Jonathan Martin (1782-1838) (older brother of the famed painter John Martin) set fire to York Minister's choir stalls. The flames got into the roof and the subsequent fire threatened to engulf the entire structure of the building but, fortunately, the roof of the Choir collpsed thereby containing the blaze and allowing it to be brought under control - though, sadly, not before very extensive damage had taken place. The Choir roof, the medieval choir stalls, the organ and the pulpit were all destroyed.

Martin, who had suffered much during his life, was apprehended and tried for arson, a capital offence.  His trial became a cause célèbre with many wanting to see him hang. He was defended by Henry Brougham (1778-1868) (who subsequently became Lord Chancellor).   At his trial he was found not guilty by reason of insanity and was therefore confined to the Criminal Lunatic Department of Bethlem Hospital (Bedlam), where he died nine years later.

Various similar boxes are known, many produced by John Hardy of Coney Street, York, who seems to have had the initiative to salvage material from the conflagration and to then fashion this into various commemorative items.

Literature:

See, J. Kendrew "An Account of the Life and Trial of Jonathan Martin, the Lunatic, who Set Fire to York Minster, on the 2nd of February, 1829", York, 1829