Obv: Sion House, SION HOUSE NEAR BRENTFORD around, MIDDLESEX below. Rev: Shield of Arms. P. SKIDMORE MEDAL MAKER COPPICE ROW CLERKENWELL LONDON. Edge: I PROMISE TO PAY ON DEMAND THE BEARER ONE PENNY .X.
UNC. Red & Brown, one scratch on obverse field.
Part of Skidmore's series of London buildings, the Sion (Syon) House is one of the seats of the Duke of Northumberland. Early in the 17th century it was granted to Henry, Earl of Northumberland. Still standing, it is known for its magnificent interior designed by Robert Adam in 1762. Henry VIII's fifth wife, Catherine Howard, was imprisoned here for a long period of time before she was taken to the Tower of London and executed. (The Building Medalets of Kempson and Skidmore 1796-1797, R.C. Bell)