The revenue of the king seems to have consisted chiefly in his demesnes,
which were large; and in the tolls and imposts which he probably levied
at discretion on the boroughs and seaports that lay within his demesnes.
He could not alienate any part of the crown lands, even to religious
uses, without the consent of the states.[*****] Danegelt was a land-tax
of a shilling a hide, imposed by the states,[******] either for payment
of the sums exacted by the Danes, or for putting the kingdom in a
posture of defence against those invaders.[*******]
The Saxon pound, as likewise that which was coined for some centuries
after the conquest, was near three times the weight of our present
money. There were forty-eight shillings in the pound, and five pence
in a shilling;[********] consequently a Saxon shilling was near a
fifth heavier than ours, and a Saxon penny near three times as
heavy.[*********]
[* Spel. Concil. vol. i. p. 256.]
[** Inae, sect. 51.]
[*** Spel. of Feus and Tenures, p. 17.]
[**** Spel. Concil. vol. i. p. 195.]
[***** Spel. Concil. vol. i. p. 340.]
[****** Chron. Sax. p. 128.]
[******* LL.
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