Douglas Carswell's Blog

Tucked away in a corner of the Palace of Westminster sits this grisly image.  As the king looks on, pointing an accusing finger, one of his henchmen administers a rather medieval punishment to the unfortunate chap on the left.  

 

A copy of an original thirteenth century tapestry, it was not made for its aesthetic qualities. Instead, I'm told, it was displayed wherever the king sat in court, in order to send out a warning; do not debase the currency.  

The subject of the king's ire has apparently been found guilty of clipping the king’s coinage.  This was a public warning against what you might regard as a sort of medieval Quantitative Easing.

With Parliament back this week, I rather think I should ask Mr Speaker if this painting could be displayed prominently in the room where the Treasury select committee meets. 

It might help focus a few minds when they ask the Monetary Policy Committee to come in and explain why they are printing off so much extra money.