Robbery of the King's Treasure, 1303 (litho)

Robbery of the King's Treasure, 1303. While Edward I was on his Scottish campaign and the Palace practically deserted, one Richard de Podelicote entered the Refectory and stole a number of silver cups. His next exploit was to rob the Treasury at Westminster, which at this time contained an enormous sum of money in addition to the Royal Regalia. Aided by accomplices de Podelicote managed to break into the Treasury and to carry away a large quantity of plate, jewels and money. Subsequently he and others caught in possession of the spoil were hanged, and all the monks of Westminster (some of whom were probably implicated) were imprisoned for two years in the Tower. Illustration for one a set of cards on Historical London, issued by Hignett's Cigarettes in 1926.