George IV Period - York Minster 2.4” Circular Oak Treen or Snuff Box Commemorating the York Minster Fire of 1829

Here on offer is a scarce George IV Period, York Minster 2.4” circular oak treen or snuff box, commemorating the York Minster fire of 1829.

Following the disastrous fire at York Minster in 1829, John Hardy of Coney Street, York, seems to have had the initiative to salvage material from the blaze and to then fashion this into various commemorative items.

This fine example that has been made from some of the recovered oak from the minster and has a hand carved circular geometrical pattern, on the top and bottom surfaces. The two halves fit together tightly, forming an airtight seal.

Then inside the lid it is stamped with the York crossed keys logo and the words:

YORK MINSTER
1829

The “crossed keys” represent the keys to heaven, as held by St Peter, its traditional gatekeeper. The York connection is that York Minster is dedicated to St Peter, its official name being the 'Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of St Peter in York'. St Peter's keys are the main feature of York Minster's logo.

Some history regarding the 1829 fire.

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 collapsed 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 committed suicide nine years later.

The York Minster was damaged by fire again on 20th May 1840, but this time by accident when a candle was left burning by William Groves, a clockmaker from Leeds.

The circular box measures 2.4” (6.1cm) diameter and is about 0.5” (1.3cm) thick.

It weighs 31g.

Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.

Please see my TERMS OF BUSINESS regarding Deliver Charges and Insurance regarding additional insurance cover, should you require it, BEFORE the item is dispatched.

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Code: 51776