The Mint is a district in Southwark, south London, named after a mint established there in 1543 by King Henry VIII. The mint ceased operations under Mary I and was demolished in 1557. In Alexander Pope's time, it was a place where debtor's were free from arrest. In Epistle to Dr. Arbuthnot (1735), Pope emphasizes how he can't seem to esacpe either his critics or his fans by that even Sundays provide no respite because it's the one day debtors can leave the Mint and not get arrested, so naturally the poets among them come and pester Pope.

Ev'n Sunday shines no Sabbath-day to me;
Then from the Mint walks forth the Man of rhyme,
Happy to catch me just at Dinner-time. (12-14)

Parent Map





Vetted?
No