Hungerford Arcade met a very interesting gentleman at the weekend, Mr. Neil Macbeth. Neil told us a fascinating story about the old London Stock Exchange.
Neil was a Dealer at the old Stock Exchange in 1970 when it was knocked down. It was decided that all the marble in the building would be saved and made into cigarette boxes. To receive one of these beautiful boxes, one had to be a Member of the Stock Exchange. As Neil was not a Member, he would not entitled to a cigarette box.
As Neil was so impressed with these boxes, his boss said that he will do his best to get him one. At that time in 1970, Neil’s wages were £16 per week. The marble cigarette boxes cost £25 each and they were in very high demand. In fact, they were selling for a premium straight afterwards. Much to his delight, Neil was lucky enough to get one of these boxes which cost him well over a week’s pay.
The marble cigarette box took pride of place on Neil’s mantlepiece until one day one of his young children accidentally knocked it off and broke it. It was repaired but not very well.
Every so often, Neil and his wife go to Ramsbury over night and always call into the Arcade and find things to buy. This time however, the last thing in the world Neil expected to see was an old marble Stock Exchange cigarette box. Stallholder, Sarah-Jane Harvey could see that he was overwhelmed with his find, asked if there was a story to it and here it is.
Neil has just sent me this picture of himself with his brand new McLaren Supercar….Wow!!! Thank you Neil. Brilliant!
Hungerford Arcade met a very interesting gentleman at the weekend, Mr. Neil Macbeth. Neil told us a fascinating story about the old London Stock Exchange.
As Neil was so impressed with these boxes, his boss said that he will do his best to get him one. At that time in 1970, Neil’s wages were £16 per week. The marble cigarette boxes cost £25 each and they were in very high demand. In fact, they were selling for a premium straight afterwards. Much to his delight, Neil was lucky enough to get one of these boxes which cost him well over a week’s pay.
Every so often, Neil and his wife go to Ramsbury over night and always call into the Arcade and find things to buy. This time however, the last thing in the world Neil expected to see was an old marble Stock Exchange cigarette box. Stallholder, Sarah-Jane Harvey could see that he was overwhelmed with his find, asked if there was a story to it and here it is. 
Neil has just sent me this picture of himself with his brand new McLaren Supercar….Wow!!! Thank you Neil. Brilliant!