Rare Receipt from 250 Years Ago Uncovered in a Chest of Drawers
In an age when everything is done at the touch of a button, 'aghast' an ORIGINAL PAPER RECEIPT has been found! Dated 1767, the 250 year old receipt was found by Hanson’s Auctioneers of Derby under the drawer lining of an old walnut chest after preparing the furniture for sale. The receipt, dated 23rd January 1767 clearly details an overnight stay at the Marston’s owned, Vine Hotel, Salter Street, the oldest pub in Stafford.
Although badly worn, the ink is still clear enough to see that two suppers were enjoyed for one shilling, along with two breakfasts for eight old pence, servants at one shilling and even pints of ale consumed at four shillings, working out at about 20p in today’s money, a sad thought for those now paying over £5 for a pint, just think that would buy you a whole 25 pints!
Commenting on the rare find, Charles Hanson of the auctioneers said: “To find an original receipt for a stay in an inn from 1767 is very unusual. It takes us back to the great coaching inn days of mid-18th Century England. The receipt has certainly witnessed some events from history and, thankfully, it has avoided being blown away or thrown away.”
Due to go on sale Saturday 1st July at auction, Clare Evans, Manager of the Vine Hotel is hoping that she will be able to get it back to its original home. “When I saw the email from the auction house about the receipt, I was completely surprised. I know the pub has a colourful history but to see something physical from this time is just amazing,” commented Clare, “I have arranged a phone bid for Saturday for the receipt and I just hope that we can bring it back home.”
The nearly 250-year-old receipt was written seven years into the reign of King George III, 22 years before the French Revolution and a full 60 years before Queen Victoria came to the throne.
Receipt showing the overnight stay
1767 receipt for the Vine Hotel, Stafford
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