Legal Definitions - Board of Green Cloth

The Board of Green Cloth was, historically, a significant administrative body within the British royal household. Its primary role was to oversee the financial management and daily operations of the monarch's domestic staff and expenses. This included responsibilities such as budgeting, accounting for expenditures, and ensuring the timely payment of wages to all royal servants. In earlier periods, the Board also held judicial authority, maintaining peace and order within the immediate vicinity of the royal residences.

• Example 1 (Financial Oversight): Imagine a grand royal banquet is being planned to host visiting dignitaries. The Master of the Royal Kitchen submits a detailed budget for ingredients, extra staff, and decorations. The Board of Green Cloth would meticulously review this budget, scrutinizing each line item to ensure it was fiscally responsible and aligned with the household's financial policies before approving the necessary funds. This demonstrates the Board's critical role in managing the royal household's finances and controlling expenditures.

• Example 2 (Staff Management and Wages): A new footman is hired for service at Buckingham Palace. His starting salary, benefits, and terms of employment would be determined and processed under the authority of the Board of Green Cloth. If a dispute arose regarding a servant's pension or a request for a pay raise, it would be the Board that heard the matter and made a final decision, ensuring fair and consistent management of the royal staff. This illustrates the Board's responsibility for the administration and welfare of the royal household's employees.

• Example 3 (Historical Judicial Role): During the 17th century, a minor altercation occurs between two stable hands within the palace grounds, resulting in a small amount of property damage. Instead of the matter going to a local town court, the Board of Green Cloth would convene to hear the case, assess the damage, and impose a suitable penalty, such as a fine or a period of suspension. This highlights the Board's historical function as a judicial body responsible for maintaining law and order within the specific area surrounding the royal residence.