Legal Definitions - ale silver

Ale silver refers to a historical annual payment made to the Lord Mayor of London by individuals or businesses that sold ale within the city's boundaries. It was essentially a form of rent or tribute, a customary charge that contributed to the Lord Mayor's revenue and reflected the city's authority over commerce, particularly the lucrative trade in ale.

• Example 1: The Tavern Keeper's Annual Due

  Imagine a tavern owner named Bartholomew in 15th-century London, who ran "The Boar's Head" near London Bridge. Each year, Bartholomew would be required to pay a specific sum, known as "ale silver," to the Lord Mayor's office. This payment was a mandatory annual tribute for the privilege of operating his tavern and selling ale within the city walls, ensuring he complied with city regulations and contributed to its governance.

• Example 2: A Brewer with Multiple Public Houses

  Consider a more established brewer, Margaret, in 17th-century London, who not only brewed ale but also owned and operated several public houses across different wards of the city. For each of her establishments that sold ale, Margaret would be obligated to pay "ale silver" annually. This demonstrates how the tribute applied to multiple points of sale within the city, acting as a recurring tax or license fee for each location engaged in the ale trade, thereby generating consistent revenue for the Lord Mayor.