A Jewish Pedlar in Spon Street 1820

In the 19th and early 20th Centuries, many Jews found a trade as pedlars selling all kinds of wares on the street from second hand clothes to watches. The story of one unfortunate Jewish Pedlar in Spon Street in 1820 is recounted by John Ashby in his book ‘The Character of Coventry’ – ‘A reflection of well known characters and a history of the City’s inns and taverns’ 2001, page 21

'In 1820, between Rotherhams’ and the Rudge, there was a single plank ‘bridge' which people used to cross over the River Sherbourne at a point where the water and dye used in dyeing silk was often discharged into the river. The plank was fastened at one side in such a manner that it could easily be removed. 

One day a group of boys were sitting on the Spon Street side of the river when they saw a Jewish pedlar on the opposite bank making his way towards the bridge. Before the pedlar crossed he called over to them to buy some of his wares. The boys weren't interested but as a final gesture, obviously not being a man from the town, he tried to sell them some “cheap Brummagem* jewellery." On the pretence they were interested he was invited to cross the plank. but as he did so the parties whose integrity he had insulted pulled up the plank and into the river went the pedlar “to be dyed all the colours of the rainbow." 

It is recorded that after this escapade a certain amount of guilt was felt and to make amends a collection was taken prior to the pedlar moving on. '

Note: * i.e. from the Birmingham Jewellery Quarter

See these Links for further information:  (Note: These are external links for which we have no responsibility for the content)

• A Jewish pedlar with a box of watches and jewellery offers them for sale to a young woman. Coloured engraving, 1827 in the Wellcome Collection.

• John Ashby's book ‘The Character of Coventry’ on Amazon