A history of English lotteries

"A history of English lotteries" by John Ashton is a historical account written in the late 19th century. It charts the emergence, operation, and suppression of lotteries in England, blending legislation, vivid handbills, anecdotes, and engravings to show how state and private schemes shaped public life. Expect detailed descriptions of lottery mechanics, colorful advertising, moral debates, and notable scandals from the Elizabethan era to the author’s present. The opening of the book sets out Ashton’s aim and sources, then quickly surveys the ancient practice of casting lots, the northern roots of the word “lot,” and the earliest known European lotteries. It dwells on England’s first great lottery under Elizabeth I, reproducing its lavish prize list, intricate conditions, and the witty “posies” subscribers used, along with official efforts and civic mottoes used to force subscriptions before the long public drawing. Short episodes follow—an armour lottery, a courtly “lottery” entertainment at Harefield, the transparent Virginia scheme, and multiple licensed plans to fund waterworks, fisheries, and charities—before turning to Restoration-era gambling systems like the “Royal Oak,” their monopolists, abuses, and a satirical “trial” of Lottery itself. The narrative then touches book and jewel lotteries (including Prince Rupert’s), a penny lottery on the London stage, the state’s entry into lottery finance (amid on-and-off bans), and Raine’s enduring marriage-portion draw. It highlights major public projects funded by lotteries (notably Westminster Bridge) and the British Museum scheme marred by Leheup’s ticket fraud.

A history of English lotteries, by John Ashton. Republished by OpenStories from Project Gutenberg eBook #77478.