When the Metropolitan Tabernacle was purpose-built to house the swelling London congregants wanting to attend the preaching of C. H. Spurgeon, it was the largest non-conformist [i.e. non-Anglican] church in England, seating 6,000 persons at once.
The location of the church was considered critical. Attached as Spurgeon was to history, especially the reformation, early Baptists, and the martyrs, he wanted somewhere with storied significance. And he found it, on the River Thames at Elephant and Castle, the precise spot where the Southwark Martyrs gave their last for the cause of Protestant Christianity in the years 1556, and 1557.
Designed by William Wilmer Pocock, it was dedicated on March 18, 1861. The present example was produced to celebrate and commemorate the occasion.
Very scarce.
Nicely preserved with deep, clear impressions still visible. A rather minor indent to the rim on the right side of the reverse. Some handling and worth a clean on the rear as well.
