The Great Crown Jewels Robbery of 1303

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During the reign of King Charles II, Colonel Blood famously attempted to steal the crown jewels, but this was not the first plot of its kind. Three centuries earlier, in 1303, Edward I of England was focused on subduing William Wallace while his royal treasures were secured behind iron doors in Westminster Abbey, a revered site inhabited by Benedictine monks. Enter Richard Puddlicott, a charming rogue and former merchant with a vendetta against the king. He cleverly infiltrated the Abbey's inner circle, entertaining the monks with their own silver, and managed to pilfer a significant portion of the treasure. The King's outrage was immense, yet Puddlicott evaded capture for a time, leading the King's men on a wild chase before ultimately being caught and sentenced to death alongside forty monks in Westminster. This thrilling narrative, filled with cunning, deceit, and the colorful lives of monks, pimps, and prostitutes, recounts the first great bank raid in history. Until now, little has been documented about this event, much of the evidence remaining in manuscripts written in Latin or Norman French. Paul Doherty masterfully blends vivid storytelling with historical analysis, revealing the medieval underworld and the complexities of the monastic community, resulting in an enlightening and captivating read.