Vicar who coined it in

Apr 24 2006 By The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

FROM as early as the 13th century and probably before, coin clipping (the illegal and surreptitious trimming of gold guineas to make new coins) had been taking place all over the country.

Thurstonland had its own coin clipper, one Reverend Robinson, and even though the reverend acted strangely and seemed to have more money than one would expect, no-one suspected he was taking part in this popular crime.

Robinson, ably assisted by his 18-year-old son, carried out his underhand activities in his cellar. When he was eventually caught it was discovered that there was a tunnel running from his house to a nearby field, indicating the involvement of others.

He was put on trial, found guilty and executed in 1690. His son, however, got off lightly and went on to work at the Mint in London!