However, despite some opposition, on this day in 1567 the counties first state-run lottery tickets were drawn.
In 1566 the queen wrote to Sir John Spencer (an ancestor of the famous Althorp Spencers) instructing him on how she thought the lottery should be organised. An advertisement was released stating that "A very rich Lotterie generall, without any Blanckes, contayning a great number of prizes..."
Those who did fancy a flutter turned out on the 11th of January 1569 outside Old St Pauls Cathedral to see if their personalised ticket (you had to write your name and a prayer) had won, however, those who did, did not receive their prize until four months later.
I wonder what this poor family won?