Inquiry into royal expenses, April 1379

Inquiry into royal expenses, April 1379 (C 65/34, m. 7)

The commons in Parliament sought ways to reduce the costs of government in an attempt to reduce the need for taxation. This included an attempt to reduce the expenses of the royal household (the king’s personal expenditure). The expenses of the household were made subject to an inquiry by a commission which sat in Parliament (see the last point of the document).

Transcript

[12.] These are the names of the prelates and lords appointed to examine the estate of the king, at the request of the commons; namely, the archbishop of Canterbury, the bishop of London, the bishop of Rochester, the earl of March, the earl of Warwick, the earl of Stafford, Lord Latimer, Sir Guy de Brienne or Sir John Cobham, and Sir Roger Beauchamp. Firstly, to examine the revenues arising from the subsidy on wool received since Michaelmas last [29 September 1378], and those which are likely to be received, up to Michaelmas next [29 September 1379]. Also, to inspect all the revenues of the kingdom received since the said time, as well as the revenues of alien priors, and from the ancient levy on wool, from vacancies of bishoprics, abbacies and other profits whatsoever, and which will probably be received and levied from them until the said Michaelmas, both by the treasurers of war as well as in the office of receipt, and the chancellor’s coffers, and in any other places of our lord the king whatsoever. Also, to examine what manner of fees or wages the great and petty officers of the king were accustomed to take in the time of King Edward, grandfather of our lord the present king. Also, to examine what annuities granted by our lord the king the said grandfather, and by our lord the prince, whom God absolve, have been paid. Also, to make an inventory of the chattels of the king the grandfather, namely where they are to be found, and in whose hands; and which persons were paid for the relief of the said grandfather’s soul; and what part of them remains for the use of our lord the king; and where that remainder is to be found. And that those who have the disbursement of them shall be obliged to show them to the said lords, and whether they have resulted in profit to the king in relief of his people, or not. Also, to inspect and examine the whole expenses of the household of our lord the king, having the officers of the aforesaid household called to appear before them, to be the better informed.

Simplified transcript

[12.] These are the names of the prelates and lords appointed to examine the expenses of the king, at the request of the commons; namely, the archbishop of Canterbury, the bishop of London, the bishop of Rochester, the earl of March, the earl of Warwick, the earl of Stafford, Lord Latimer, Sir Guy de Brienne or Sir John Cobham, and Sir Roger Beauchamp.

Firstly, they are to examine the revenues from wool taxation between 29 September 1378 and 29 September 1379, and any outstanding revenues from this period which are likely to be received.

They are also to inspect other revenues and profits of the kingdom received over the same period.

They are also to examine the fees and wages that the officers of the king’s government were accustomed to take in the time of King Edward III.

They are also to examine what annuities (financial payments) granted by King Edward III have been paid.

They are also to make an inventory of the property of Edward III, including where this is to be found, and who owns it now. They are also to record who paid for the relief (spiritual payment) of Edward III’s soul, and how much of this money remains for the use of our king.

They are also to inspect and examine the whole expenses of the household of our lord the king, by summoning the officers of the royal household to appear before them, so that they are better informed.

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