Bulletproof Vest

Inside this case is a cream-coloured fabric waistcoat with 6 buttons. The waistcoat looks somewhat stiff and has a faded chequerboard effect of raised squares. This is because it is, at least in theory, bulletproof!

The well-worn white bulletproof vest hanging inside a display case

It belonged to Edward Tew, a partner in the local bank Leatham, Tew and Company. Edward’s father Thomas Tew founded 2 banks at Pontefract and Doncaster with John Leatham in about 1800. In 1809 they bought another bank in Wakefield.

Edward Tew managed the Doncaster branch, and had to travel between the 3 branches, presumably carrying valuables. The roads were becoming safer by the early 19th century, and the last recorded robbery by a highwayman on horseback was in 1831. However, there was still a risk of highway robbery when the banks were founded. 

Edward was clearly being cautious in case he was stopped by a highwayman with the infamous call to 'stand and deliver!'

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