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Ancient ceremony of Chopping Sticks, and Counting Horse-shoes and Hob-nails... 1844
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Ancient ceremony of Chopping Sticks, and Counting Horse-shoes and Hob-nails... 1844
Ancient ceremony of Chopping Sticks, and Counting Horse-shoes and Hob-nails, in the Court of the Exchequer, 1844. London aldermen performing a traditional custom:an officer of the Court handed to him a bill-hook; the officer then took a small bundle of sticks...whilst the Alderman struck it and cut it asunder. The bill-hook was then exchanged for a small hatchet, and a similar bundle of sticks cut in like manner...the Alderman, having first counted certain horseshoes placed upon a table, and declared their number, a tray was handed to him containing a number of hob-nails, which he also counted...The senior Alderman, in fact, does suit and service for the tenants of a manor in Shropshire, by chopping the sticks in token of its having been customary for the tenants of that manor to supply their lord with fuel. The counting of the horse-shoes and nails is another suit and service of the owners of a forge in the parish of St. Clement.... From " Illustrated London News", 1844, Vol V
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Media ID 20551919
© The Print Collector/Heritage Images
Accounting Accounts Ceremonial Ceremony Court Court Of Law Custom Law Court Silly Tally Tallying Tradition Typical Exchequer Illustrated London News
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a fascinating glimpse into the ancient ceremony of Chopping Sticks and Counting Horse-shoes and Hob-nails, which took place in the Court of the Exchequer in London back in 1844. In this traditional custom, esteemed London aldermen are seen performing their duties with great solemnity. The scene unfolds as an officer of the court presents an Alderman with a bill-hook, symbolizing his role in chopping sticks. With precision and grace, the Alderman strikes and cuts a small bundle of sticks asunder. This act signifies that it was customary for tenants of a manor in Shropshire to supply their lord with fuel. Following this symbolic gesture, the bill-hook is exchanged for a small hatchet, and another bundle of sticks is cut in similar fashion. Meanwhile, on a nearby table lie horseshoes waiting to be counted by the Alderman. Once he has declared their number, he proceeds to count hob-nails presented to him on a tray. It becomes evident that these rituals hold deep significance beyond mere tradition. The counting of horse-shoes and nails represents another suit and service performed by owners of a forge in St. Clement's parish. Through this remarkable image from "Illustrated London News" dated 1844, we are transported back to witness an age-old ceremony steeped in history and symbolism—a testament to our ancestors' dedication to upholding customs passed down through generations.
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