A all new Podcast all about codes, ciphers and hunting for treasure ‘Live From the CodeBar’, is
21/01/2025
Diggers, Searchers and Codebreakers!
Here is an interesting treasure hunt!
In the early 13th century, the City of London made a strange agreement with the British Crown—one that has baffled historians for centuries. Back in 1211 and again in 1235, the city agreed to pay rent for two mysterious parcels of land. But here’s the kicker: instead of cash, the rent due every year consists of the oddest collection of items— a knife, an axe, six oversized horseshoes, and 61 nails. Yes, you read that right—horseshoes and nails! The really weird part? No one actually knows where these two properties are located.
Over the years, countless theories have been floated about the exact whereabouts of these “hidden” lands. Some say the boundaries were lost to time, while others believe the properties were simply forgotten. And though many have searched high and low, the locations remain a mystery to this day. But what makes this whole story even more fascinating is the quirky rent that has been paid for centuries. It’s a glimpse into the unique customs of medieval England—where agreements weren’t just signed with words, but with symbolic items that carried deeper meaning.
Fast forward to today, and this bizarre tradition still stands. Every year, officials gather to present these unusual items as part of the ritual, carrying on a practice that seems almost surreal. It’s a reminder of the rich, mysterious history that shapes the City of London—a city that still thrives on its age-old traditions, even when the reasons behind them are long forgotten.
