Legal Definitions - peter-pence

Peter-pence refers to a historical tax levied on households in England, the proceeds of which were paid directly to the Pope. This payment was traditionally collected around St. Peter's Day, which gave the tax its name. It was also sometimes known as hearth money, reflecting its basis per household.

Here are some examples illustrating the concept of peter-pence:

• Example 1: The Medieval Household Budget

  Imagine a family living in a small English village in the 12th century. Each year, as St. Peter's Day approached, the head of the household would set aside a small sum from their earnings or agricultural produce. This specific amount was earmarked for the local church collector, who would gather these contributions from every house in the village. The collected funds would then be aggregated and eventually sent to Rome as peter-pence.

  This illustrates peter-pence as a direct, annual financial obligation placed on individual English households, intended for the support of the Papacy.

• Example 2: Royal Decrees and Ecclesiastical Administration

  During the reign of King Henry II in the 12th century, royal officials might have issued directives to local sheriffs or ecclesiastical authorities, reminding them of their duty to ensure the timely and complete collection of peter-pence across their respective shires or dioceses. These officials would then oversee the process, ensuring that the funds were accurately accounted for and transferred through the appropriate channels, ultimately destined for the Pope's treasury in Rome.

  This example highlights the administrative structure involved in collecting peter-pence, demonstrating it as a recognized and enforced tax within the English legal and ecclesiastical systems, with a clear destination for the funds.

• Example 3: Papal Financial Records

  Consider a papal accountant in the Vatican during the 13th century, reviewing ledgers detailing the income streams supporting the Holy See. Among entries from various European kingdoms, there would be consistent records of payments received specifically from England, often labeled as "denarii Sancti Petri" (St. Peter's money) or peter-pence. These funds would contribute to the general expenses of the Papacy, including administrative costs, charitable works, or even military campaigns.

  This scenario demonstrates peter-pence from the recipient's perspective, showing it as a significant and regular source of revenue for the Pope, originating from a specific tax levied on English households.