Page 11 - Ian Marshall - London Coffe Houses - Standing Display January 2016

Antigallican Coffee House I

60/61, Threadneedle Street )

(1759 - 1824)

Based in Threadneedle Street, variously described as: "near the Bank";
"by the Royal Exchange; and "behind the Exchange". The name
Antigallican or Antigallicum derives from a Society formed to perpetuate
an everlasting hatred between England and France during the Anglo-
French Wars and was adopted by various Inns and Taverns in London.
The earliest mention is in a directory in 1759 where it is shown as the
business address of Theophilus Williams, a Broker, who remains listed
until 1780. In 1760 the title deeds of 61 Threadneedle Street refer to:
"The Dutch or Grisby's Coffee House and since the West India Coffee
House and now the Antigallican Coffee House and in the occupation of
Amos Newman". By 1775 the proprietor was Francis Best and in 1783 an
advertisement states:" Opinion and Advice to be had from Mr. Furtado at
the Antigallican Coffee House, near the Bank from 11 to 2 o' clock". A
reference to the place in 1793 remarks: "One does not know whether the
noise of backgammon boards, the chatter of German, or the highty tighty
volubility of the Master [William Fountain] is the most troubling". A
description in 1798 reads: "Frequented by Dutch, French and German
merchants in general; also brokers, owners, and commanders of ships
trading to Jersey and Guernsey and to the ports of Calais, Ostend and
Dunkirk in particular". The proprietor from 1822-24 was John Vaughan
1822 following which nothing further is heard of the Antigallican Coffee
House.

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A local letter written on 3rd April 1803 at 35, Traish(?) St. by addressed to
John Pooles Esq at the Antigallican Coffee House, behind the Exchange.
The letter advises the addressee that he can't devise any way of borrowing
the £1,750 he wants. "I will however, do my best, not only in that respect,
but if possible, the whole £1,750 shall be handed to you". The sender's
name has been cut from the letter.