Symbols of Behaviour in mid-17th Century English Coffee Houses, Scott Shriner

Coffee drinking became popularized in England during the dawning of the Commonwealth period and into mid-18th century. The interest in this beverage predates its replacement, tea, as the iconic national drink of Britain. This article will examine two artefacts that played a role in the culture surrounding the 17th century coffee house. The first artefact is a coffee house token from Morat’s, a London coffee establishment. A
broadside entitled ‘A Brief Description of the Excellent Vertues of that Sober and wholesome Drink Called Coffee, and its Incomparable Effects in Preventing or Curing, Most Diseases Incident to Humane Bodies’
will also be discussed. Together these objects help to reflect the actions and activities behind the culture of these popular establishments.