James II, Stability of Anglican Church, Uniface Medal, 1688*

English satirical historical medal from 1688 celebrating the Trial of the Seven Bishops. Struck or cast in 1688 during the reign of King James II.

The medal commemorates the acquittal of Archbishop William Sancroft and six other bishops who refused to read the King’s Declaration of Indulgence.

The Central Bust: Features William Sancroft, the Archbishop of Canterbury

The Surrounding Portraits: Features the other six imprisoned and acquitted bishops in individual circular medallions.

The Main Inscription: The text around the border reads “WISDOM HATH BVILDED HER HOVS SHE HATH HEWEN OVT HER 7 PILLERS”. This is an allegorical reference taken from the Bible (Proverbs 9:1), framing the seven steadfast bishops as the unshakeable pillars protecting the Church of England.

Diameter 54mm

*This specific variant is a uniface casting, likely produced as a contemporary Dutch satirical medal supporting the Williamite or Protestant cause