Legal Definitions - Keeper of the Hanaper

The Keeper of the Hanaper was a significant historical official in England, serving as the chief financial administrator for the Lord Chancellor's department, known as the Chancery.

This individual was responsible for managing all financial aspects of the Chancery. Their duties included collecting various fees and fines associated with official government documents and legal processes, paying the salaries of Chancery staff, procuring necessary office supplies, and maintaining detailed records of all income and expenditures. The term "hanaper" itself refers to the basket or hamper in which these official documents and their associated fees were historically kept.

• Imagine a wealthy landowner in the 14th century seeking a royal license to enclose common land for private use. To obtain this official document, which would be granted under the Great Seal, the landowner would be required to pay a specific fee. This fee would be collected by the Hanaper office, and the Keeper of the Hanaper would be responsible for ensuring it was accurately recorded as revenue for the Chancery.

• Consider a situation where a citizen needed to initiate a legal case, perhaps to challenge a debt or claim an inheritance. To begin this process, they would typically need to purchase a specific legal order, known as a writ, from the Chancery. The payment for this writ, which allowed their case to proceed, would be directed to the Hanaper office. The Keeper of the Hanaper would oversee the collection of such payments, ensuring the administrative side of the legal system was properly funded.

• Beyond individual transactions, the Keeper of the Hanaper also managed the day-to-day operational budget of the Chancery. This included ensuring that the numerous clerks, scribes, and other administrative staff received their regular wages. Furthermore, the Keeper would authorize the purchase of essential supplies like parchment, ink, and sealing wax, which were crucial for the creation of all official government and legal documents. Essentially, the Keeper was the financial backbone, balancing the income from fees and fines against the expenses required to keep the Chancery functioning effectively.