Henry I Penny, quadrilateral on cross fleury type, Taunton Mint, Moneyer Elfric

Henry I (1100-35), silver Penny, quadrilateral on cross fleury type (c.1125-35), Taunton Mint, moneyer Aelfric, crowned and diademed three quarter facing bust with sceptre to bottom of coin, legend and beaded borders surrounding, +hENRICVS, off the flan, rev. quadrilateral with lis apexes on cross fleury, pellet in each inner angle, legend and beaded border surrounding, +Æ---- -N: TAN. weight 1.16g (BMC type XV; N.871; S.1276). Weak in parts both sides, lightly toned, uneven in shape with much of the legends off the flan, small lamination in metal on reverse, otherwise good very fine and very rare for this one moneyer Mint, thought to be unique at the time of the 1945 Glendining sale.

The legends translate as "Henry" on obverse and "Aelfric of Taunton" on the reverse.

North records only this moneyer working at Taunton for Henry I in this one type.

The fourth son of William the Conqueror, the "fine scholar" Henry Beauclerc as he was known acceded to the throne of England on the death of his childless elder brother William Rufus, who died after a hunting accident in the New Forest on 2^nd August 1100. Well educated Henry had been left landless when his Father died with the Kingdoms shared between the two eldest surviving brothers Robert and William, though he did purchase the county of Cotentin from his eldest brother Robert in western Normandy, but was later deposed from there in 1091, and subsequently, gradually rebuilt his power there with the help of elder brother William against Robert. Upon the death of William Rufus, and being present in the area at that time, he immediately became King promising to correct the less popular policies of his late brother. Henry married Matilda of Scotland with whom he had a son William Aethling and a daughter the Empress Matilda, as well as various other illegitimate children. His elder brother Robert invaded in 1101 disputing Henry's control, but this was settled by a pact recognising Henry as King of England. Henry later invaded Normandy in 1105 and 1106 defeating Robert eventually in the Battle of Tinchebray imprisoning his brother until his death on 3^rd February 1134 in Cardiff Castle. Henry then controlled Normandy for which he was subsequently challenged by Robert's son William Clito who was supported by Fulk V of Anjou, Baldwin VII of Flanders and Louis VI of France, resulting in major rebellions within the Duchy from 1116-19. Eventually a peace settlement was agreed in 1120 after Henry's victory at the Battle of Bremule.

Henry was an effective leader who drew his nobles and barons close whilst using the government justice and taxation systems to the best effect boosting the Royal Exchequer, along with Normandy and its own independent system. He also encouraged ecclesiastical reform playing a major role in selecting senior clergy, though he did have a serious earlier dispute with Archbishop Anselm of Canterbury in 1101 eventually resolved through a compromise in 1105. Unfortunately, Henry's son and heir apparent William drowned in the White Ship sinking disaster of 1120 and Henry entered a second marriage in the hope of another son, but the union with Adeliza of Louvain remained childless. He therefore declared Matilda his heir and married her to Geoffrey of Anjou in 1128 but the relationship between them all became strained with fighting along the Anjou border. Henry subsequently died on 1^st December 1135 after a week of illness and despite his plan for succession it was Stephen of Blois his nephew that succeeded him which led to a Civil War.

Nigh on 45 miles south-west of Bristol on the southern side of the valley of the River Tone, Taunton in Somerset started as an early earthwork erected by Ine circa 700. A monastery was founded here before 904 and minting activity occurs from Aethelred II to King Stephen.

Provenance:

Ex Glendining, 6^th November 1945, lot 285, sold for £4/10/-.

Ex J. Stevens-Cox Collection, selection purchased by A. H. Baldwin & Son Ltd circa 2012.

Ex Sovereign Rarities, purchased 2019.

Ex Collection of an English Doctor part II, Sovereign Rarities fixed price list online May 2022.