Legal Definitions - Master of the Pells

The Master of the Pells was a significant historical office within the English Exchequer, primarily responsible for maintaining detailed financial records of all money received and paid out by the Crown. The term "pells" refers to the parchment rolls (from the Latin pellis, meaning skin) on which these accounts were meticulously inscribed. This official acted as a key auditor and record-keeper, ensuring transparency and accountability in the government's financial transactions. The role was critical for tracking the Crown's income and expenditures, serving as a check on other treasury officials.

• Example 1: Tracking War Expenditures

  During a period of military conflict, a monarch might authorize substantial funds for a campaign. The Master of the Pells would have been responsible for recording every payment made from the royal treasury for this purpose. This would include wages for soldiers, purchases of weaponry, provisions for the army, and payments to foreign mercenaries. By meticulously documenting these disbursements on the pell rolls, the Master ensured that the funds were accounted for and that there was a clear record of how the war effort was financed.

• Example 2: Managing Royal Household Finances

  The daily operations of the royal household involved considerable financial activity, from purchasing food and wine to paying the wages of numerous servants and maintaining royal residences. The Master of the Pells would have recorded all incoming revenues, such as taxes or feudal dues, that supported the household, as well as every outgoing payment for daily provisions, staff salaries, and repairs to palaces. This comprehensive record-keeping provided a detailed financial overview of the monarch's personal and administrative expenses, preventing fraud and ensuring fiscal order.

• Example 3: Overseeing Public Works Projects

  When the Crown commissioned a major public work, such as the construction of a new port, a defensive castle, or a significant bridge, the Master of the Pells played a crucial role in financial oversight. They would record all funds allocated for the project, detailing payments to master builders, skilled laborers, and suppliers of materials like stone, timber, and iron. This meticulous documentation ensured that the project stayed within its budget, that funds were not misappropriated, and that there was a permanent record of the Crown's investment in infrastructure.