Obv: Bust to left in a cocked hat, EDW. LORD THUR-LOW around, 1789 under. Rev: Bust to right, 1789 under, THE RIGHT HON. W. PITT. around. Edge: Plain.
Extremely Fine with some light toning. White-metal. Penny.
In 1779, while serving in Parliament, Lord Thurlow, who was the son of a Norfolk clergyman, had risen in status to become Lord Chancellor and 1st Baron Thurlow. However, while serving in the House of Lords, he was insulted for his low status by the 3rd Duke of Grafton. His withering response to the hapless duke was to call him an “accident of an accident”, referring to his descent from an illegitimate affair between King Charles II and the actress Nell Gwyn. He finished by saying, “as a MAN, I am at this moment as much respectable – I beg leave to add, I am at this time as much respected – as the proudest duke I now look down upon.” This quickly established him as one not to be trifled with!