Statement by Joseph Hoyle of the Signet Office that appointments to the mastership prior to Newton's were normally for life Isaac Newton c. 236 words The Newton Project Oxford 2017 Newton Project, University of Oxford

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 22 March 1626/7 [sic: leg. 1726/7?], c. 236 words.

[In 1696 a Commons Committee recommended discontinuation of Mint appointments for life (quite possibly on Newton's own recommendation: see Westfall, 605). Newton's appointment to the mastership in 1700 was during the monarch's pleasure. If the date is read as 1727, it places the document two days after Newton's death (in the event, still in office), which seems a likely juncture for such issues to have been considered.]

Cites his three immediate predecessors Ralph Freeman (appointed July 1660), Henry Slingsby (appointed August 1670) and Thomas Neale (appointed July 1678).

 MINT 19/1/88, National Archives, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, UK UKSurreyKew, RichmondNational Archives MINT 19/1/88 22 March 1626/7 [sic: leg. 1726/7?] England English Unknown Hand MintNon-Newtonian Documents Catalogue information compiled by Rob Iliffe, Peter Spargo & John Young Catalogue exported to teiHeader by Michael Hawkins Transcribed by Will Scott Checked by Will Scott
8849

Iuly 1660 12th Car 2d

A Grant of the Officer of Master and Worker of his Majties.Majesties Monies both Gold and Silver in the Mint in the Tower of London to SrSir Ralph Freeman during his life with a salary of 500li ꝑper Ann.Annum with all Buildings houses and fees &ca. belonging to the said Office.

August 1670 22th Car 2d.

a like Grant to Henry Slingsby Esqr. during life, to take place after the Death of Sr.Sir Ralph Freeman,

Iuly 1678 30th Car, 2d,

a like Grant to Thomas Neale Esqr. during Life to take place after the Death of henry Slingby

SrSir

upon Examination into our Books at this office, I find the Three persons above named to be Predecessors in the Office of Master's of the Mint, to SrSir Isaac Newton, he succeeding Mr Neale in the Year 1699 I can go farther back as far as the 30th of Eliza. to Satisfy you, and Answer Your Question, but I think the Three foregoing precedents may be Sufficient to Prove, that this Office was usualy granted for Life, and SrSir Presume it was always so granted till SrSir Isaac Newtons time, I am with the Greatest truth and esteem Sr.Sir

Your most obedient humble

Servant

Ios: Moyle.

Signet Office March 22th 16267. Precedents from the Signet office, of the grant of the office of MrMaster & WrWorker of the Mint for life.life.