The Pipe Rolls were records of the revenue collected by the king from the people, kept by the Exchequer and including money from taxes, fees, and land. Made of parchment and sewn together, there were 676 rolls covering many years, with some missing years. Also known as the Great Rolls of the Exchequer, they provide insight into the individuals indebted to the king, the functioning of the king’s government, and the king’s employees.
The Pipe Rolls, also known as the Great Rolls of the Exchequer, are historical documents that record royal revenue from feudal holdings, judicial fees, and tax revenue collected by the sheriffs. Covering the years 1131 and 1156 to 1833 (with gaps in 1216 and 1403), these 676 rolls provide valuable information about royal debtors, administration, and personnel of the King’s government. For example, the roll documenting financial details at the end of Henry I’s reign was preserved thanks to Roger of Salisbury, Henry I’s Treasurer, who established a rudimentary national financial system. These records were essential for managing royal revenue and providing insights into the administration and personnel of the King’s government, making them a crucial resource for historians and researchers studying medieval England.
Pipe rolls are ancient financial records that were used in medieval England to keep track of taxes and other financial transactions. They were called “pipe rolls” because they were originally kept on long, rolled-up pieces of parchment.
Pipe rolls contain detailed information about the taxes paid by individuals and businesses, including the names of taxpayers, the amounts paid, and the specific taxes levied. They also provide insights into the economic and social conditions of the time.
While pipe rolls are no longer used for tax purposes, they are valuable historical documents that provide insights into medieval society, economics, and governance. They are often studied by historians, genealogists, and researchers interested in medieval England.
Pipe rolls are primarily held in national and local archives, such as the National Archives in the United Kingdom. Some digitized versions may also be available online through various historical databases and websites.
Pipe rolls can be used as historical evidence in legal cases, particularly those involving property rights, genealogy, or historical research. However, their use as legal evidence may vary depending on the jurisdiction and specific circumstances of the case.
Pipe rolls were meticulously maintained by medieval officials, but errors and omissions can occur. It is important to cross-reference information from multiple sources and consult experts in medieval history to ensure accuracy when using pipe rolls for research or legal purposes.
Yes, pipe rolls can be a valuable resource for tracing family history, especially for individuals with ancestors who lived in medieval England. They can provide information about property ownership, tax payments, and other details that can help in constructing a family tree.
Pipe rolls were primarily used in England, but their availability may vary depending on the region. Some areas may have more extensive records than others, and certain periods may have more complete pipe rolls than others.
Pipe rolls can potentially be used to challenge property ownership if they provide evidence of historical rights or discrepancies in land ownership. However, it is important to consult with legal experts familiar with property law and historical research to determine the validity and relevance of such claims.
Yes, pipe rolls are valuable resources for studying economic trends in medieval England. They provide insights into taxation, trade, and wealth distribution, allowing researchers to analyze economic patterns and changes over time.
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This glossary post was last updated: 17th April 2024.
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