Define: Hidage

Hidage refers to a medieval English tax system based on land assessment. It was used to determine the amount of tax payable by each landowner.

Hidage was calculated based on the size and productivity of the land. The more productive the land, the higher the hidage tax would be.

The landowner or tenant in possession of the land was responsible for paying hidage. It was their obligation to ensure the tax was paid.

Yes, hidage was a common tax in medieval England. It was one of the main sources of revenue for the monarchy and was used to fund various activities, including defence and infrastructure development.

Hidage generally applied to agricultural land, as it was based on the productivity of the land. However, certain exemptions and variations existed depending on the specific region and time period.

Yes, there were penalties for not paying hidage. Non-payment could result in fines, confiscation of property, or even imprisonment. The severity of the penalties varied depending on the circumstances and the ruling authority.

Hidage was collected by local officials known as hidage collectors or assessors. They would assess the land, calculate the tax owed, and collect the payment from the landowner.

No, hidage gradually declined in importance and was eventually replaced by other forms of taxation. By the late medieval period, it had largely been replaced by other taxes such as the subsidy and the land tax.

While there are no direct modern equivalents to hidage, the concept of assessing and taxing land based on its value or productivity still exists in various forms. Property taxes and land value taxes are examples of modern systems that have similarities to hidage.

No, hidage is an outdated tax system that is no longer applicable in modern legal frameworks. Current taxation systems are based on contemporary laws and regulations specific to each jurisdiction.