The Great Crown Jewels Robbery Of 1303.

PAUL DOHERTY

Publication: Constable, 2005, London

First edition. Signed. Fine in dust jacket. Many people know of Colonel Blood's attempt to steal the Crown Jewels during the reign of Charles II (1660-1685); however, Blood's conspiracy wasn't the first, and certainly not the most successful. In 1303, while Edward I of England was north of the Scottish border trying to crush William Wallace, he'd stashed his treasure safely in Westminster Abbey. Enter Richard Puddlicott, a former merchant and a charming vicious rogue who infiltrated the Abbey's inner circle and before long had helped himself to a good part of the treasure. The King's fury knew no bounds, but Puddlicott ran his men a merry dance before eventually being captured and sent along with forty monks to his death at Westminster.

Inventory Number: 23479