The Initial Horn Tobacco Box 1713 - 1748

There are several decorations on the lid of this box. A silver garland placed inside the rim bears the names of the current Overseers, and naming the Overseers of the time became a feature of future inscriptions. Many Overseers were also Churchwardens of St. Margaret’s or St. John’s Churches in Westminster.

Inside the lid is an engraving of the Duke of Cumberland, victor of the battle of Culloden in I746. This is believed to have been designed and executed by William Hogarth. On the bottom is a very intricate depiction of Charity, with the motto ‘Render as Received’.

In 1765, long after the box was considered full, a plate engraved with the Arms of the City of Westminster was added to commemorate the granting of City status.

The custom of producing the box at each meeting became formalised with the appointment of a Custodian, who was responsible for its safe keeping and the rendering of the accounts of the Society.

The Tobacco Stopper, in silver and mother of pearl, was added as a gift in 1799.