The Utopian Coin Vandal Of Holborn

The remarkable life of Thomas Spence.

Today, Little Turnstile is a characterful alley that offers a welcome shortcut behind Holborn tube station (as well as an excellent vodka bar). But in the late 18th century, it was home to a peculiar man who stamped “YOU FOOLS” and other mottos onto thousands of coins. In a guest post, Niall Kishtainy gives us a glimpse into the world of Thomas Spence, …