Legal Definitions - free alms

The term free alms refers to a historical form of land tenure, also known as frankalmoin, prevalent in medieval England. It describes a situation where land was granted to a religious institution, such as a monastery, abbey, or church, in exchange for prayers and divine services for the grantor's soul, rather than for military service, monetary rent, or other feudal obligations. The "free" aspect signifies that the land was held without any secular duties or payments, while "alms" refers to the charitable nature of the grant and the religious services provided in return.

Here are some examples to illustrate the concept of free alms:

• Example 1: A Baron's Grant to a Monastery

  Imagine a powerful medieval baron, Sir Reginald, who, wishing to secure salvation for himself and his family, grants a significant parcel of his estate to a newly established Benedictine monastery. In return for this land, the monks are obligated to pray daily for the souls of Sir Reginald, his ancestors, and his descendants. The monastery holds the land under "free alms" tenure, meaning they do not owe Sir Reginald any military service, agricultural labor, or financial rent; their sole duty is the performance of these spiritual services.

  This illustrates free alms because the land is given to a religious body (the monastery) in exchange for spiritual services (prayers) rather than any secular duties or payments.

• Example 2: A Royal Endowment for a Cathedral

  A medieval king, seeking divine favor and legitimacy for his reign, might grant a large tract of royal forest and several villages to a prominent cathedral. This grant comes with the understanding that the cathedral clergy will regularly conduct special masses and prayers for the king's well-being, the prosperity of his kingdom, and the salvation of the royal lineage. The cathedral holds these lands in "free alms," meaning their tenure is contingent solely on their performance of these religious duties, without any further feudal obligations to the crown.

  This demonstrates free alms as the king provides land to a religious institution (the cathedral), and in return, receives spiritual services (masses and prayers) instead of traditional feudal obligations.

• Example 3: A Wealthy Merchant's Gift to a Chantry Chapel

  Consider a prosperous merchant in a bustling medieval town who, nearing the end of his life, donates a valuable piece of property within the town walls to a newly built chantry chapel. The condition of this gift is that a priest be appointed to the chapel specifically to say daily prayers and masses for the merchant's soul and the souls of his deceased family members. The chapel, through its appointed priest, holds the property in "free alms," meaning it is exempt from any secular rents or services to the merchant's heirs, with the religious observances being the sole consideration.

  This example shows free alms because the property is granted to a religious entity (the chantry chapel) with the explicit purpose of receiving ongoing spiritual services (prayers and masses) for the grantor, free from any other worldly obligations.