Beer token - J. Best, Brewery of Chatham, Kent
Issuer United Kingdom
Type Advertising medallions
Obverse
A barrel surrounded by legend, a rosette below.
Lettering: CHATHAM BREWERY ❁
Reverse
A name under a two laurel branches, the value around.
Lettering: A PINT OF BEER J. BEST
Technical Details
Obverse Lettering
CHATHAM BREWERY ❁
Reverse Lettering
A PINT OF BEER J. BEST
Comments
(Reference: D&W# 336/9)
In the 1838 Chatham directory Col. James Best, New road, was one of the county magistrates for the north division of Aylesford and the late owner believed the check recognised a drayman’s free beer ration; the Holmwood Benefit Society, instituted 13 May 1839, met at the Norfolk Arms Hotel and by the mid-1850s boasted over 200 members.
