In the early 1600s, an anonymous Book of Merrie Riddles was published in London, which proved popular enough to warrant a second volume, A New Booke of Merry Riddles, in the mid-1660s. Both books ...

Goldsmiths had for centuries handled valuable items of gold, silver and jewellery for clients, and by the 1660s were offering safe custody for such items and also accepting money deposits ...