Treasure of the Month

A clear trend emerges from the records. Most of the staff in the book worked here for many years - a pattern which has continued today. Take, for example, Alice Edge, a kitchen maid who worked from December 1894 to August 1923 giving 29 years service and Elizabeth Hemming, who started work in March 1882 aged just 15. She retired in December 1934 aged 67 after 52 years with the company. Other people worked here for shorter periods. William Haynes, for example, arrived in December 1916 as Nigh…

The Assay Office Library contains a fascinating collection of books relating to William Morris and the Pre-Raphaelites, including Mackail's two-volume biography. The Library also contains works about Sir Edward Burne-Jones and other artists working in the Pre-Raphaelite style. The library is open to the public during our organised Silver Visits and is also open to researchers by prior appointment. Email history@theassayoffice.co.uk for further information.