William Laud (1573-1645)

William Laud (1573-1645), Archbishop of Canterbury, trial and execution, silver memorial medal, by John Roettier, struck after the Restoration, bust right in ecclesiastical robes and hat, GVIL LAVD ARCHIEPPISC CANTVAR X IAN 1644, rev., infant genii hold crown and mitre over London river panorama, SANCTI CAROLI PRÆCVRSOR, 58mm (MI 315/147; Eim 145; Platt II, pp. 189-90; vL II, 273; Weiss Fig 9). Very fine, die flaw below bust, edge bruise on reverse at 4 o'clock.

Laud was arrested in 1640 but his trial did not begin until 12 March 1644. Found guilty of treason, he was executed on Tower Hill on 10 January, 1645.

Provenance: Dix, Noonan, Webb Auction, (lot 508)