Luton Currency

The official unit of currency is the groat. This is equivalent to one pound sterling (£1). The euro is not recognised. However, you may well come across the ducat, worth 6s 8d or one third of a pound.

Other recognised units of currency are the shilling (20 to the groat), half crown (8 to the groat), crown (4 to the groat) and angel (2 to the groat).

The coin most common in everyday use is the dandiprat. This is the local name for a farthing, or one quarter of a penny. In one groat or pound, there are 960 dandiprats or farthings. Fortunately, it is necessary to carry only a few dandiprats at one time. Luton tapsters (bar assistants), waiters and taxi drivers will expect to be tipped just one dandiprat for their services. Any more than that is an insult.

If many heavy coins or other valuables must be carried around town, small boys can be found standing in well ordered queues at most street corners. Their service as porters is entirely safe and inexpensive. They will expect payment of one dandiprat per mile.

For comparison purposes, a one-pint pot of ale in a Luton tavern typically costs two groats. The coach journey from the airport to the beach is, at time of writing, two ducats (13s 4d). A bawd or gigolo is usually five groats by the hour.

And a boatman will charge five dandiprats for a simple wherry or eight dandiprats for a tilt-boat with an awning, to take you across the River Lea from Park Town to Hart Hill, where the river emerges from the tunnel into a lake ¼ mile wide. Do remember to tip him no more than one dandiprat.