Penny Universities
History of Coffee and Coffeehouses
Course 1 · Chapter 4 · The English Coffeehouse
In late seventeenth-century England the coffeehouse became a centre of news, argument and business. Some were nicknamed "penny universities" for the cost of entry and the conversation to be had. This chapter looks at what went on in them, what grew from them, and the government's failed attempt to close them. Dates and details are flagged "check".
Key Ideas
A penny to enter
The nickname "penny universities" was applied to the coffeehouses because a penny bought entry and a cup, and the talk was said to be educational (check the origin of the phrase).
Business and news
Merchants used coffeehouses as meeting places. Edward Lloyd's coffeehouse, recorded from about 1688, was a place where shipping news and insurance were discussed and is the origin of Lloyd's of London (check).
The 1675 proclamation
In 1675 Charles II issued a proclamation to suppress coffeehouses as places of sedition. It met strong opposition and was withdrawn within days (check).
At a Glance
| Institution | Link to coffeehouses (check each) |
|---|---|
| Lloyd's of London | Grew from Lloyd's coffeehouse, a meeting place for shipping and insurance. |
| Stock exchange dealing | Brokers met in coffeehouses around Exchange Alley, such as Jonathan's (check). |
| Auction houses | Some early auctions were held in coffeehouses. |
| Newspapers and clubs | Coffeehouses provided news and debate; some later became clubs. |
Further Points
- Women. A 1674 pamphlet, The Women's Petition Against Coffee, complained that coffee made men idle; scholars doubt that it was a genuine petition (check).
- Rules. A list of "coffeehouse rules" is often quoted, but check its date and authenticity.
- Class. Different houses attracted different groups: merchants, writers, scientists or politicians.
Exercises
Quick Reference
- Nickname: penny universities (check)
- Lloyd's: from a coffeehouse, c.1688 (check)
- 1675: proclamation withdrawn
- Caution: pamphlets can be satire