Source 3

Extract from an indenture by London tax commissioners, 1598 (E 179/146/369)

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Transcript

St Hellens parishe    

Sir John Spencer knight a commissioner..ccc li.... xl li    

William Reade in landes .......... cl li.... xxx li    

John Robinson the elder.........c li......xiii li vi s viii d    

Richard Taylor doctor in landes and fees..x li......xl s    

Peter Turnor doctor in landes & fees....x li......xl s    

Peter Dallyla................xxx li.....iiii li Affid  

Robert Honeywood gent in landes.....xl li.....viii li    

John Allseppe..............l li.......vi li xiiis iiiid    

John Morrys.................xxx li.....iiii li    

Roberte Springe.............xxx li.....iiii li    

Edward Swayne in lande & fees......x li.......xl s    

James Scoles..............xx li....liiii s iiii d    

Joane Lomley widdowe............iii li.....viii s    

Anthony Snoade...............x li......xxvi s viii d    

James Roking..............iii li.....viii s    

Walter Briggen................v li.....xiiis iiiid    

John Robinson the yonger...........x li.....xxvis viiid    

John Scymme...............iii li....viii s Affid  

William Shakespeare...........v li.....xiii s iiii d    

George Axon................iii li....viii s    

Edward Jackson..............iii li....viii s

Notes

Each line contains the name of the person being taxed, the first number in the line is the value of their belongings and the second number (at the end of the line) is the amount of tax they have to pay at this collection.

Therefore Sir John Spencer has goods worth 300 and he therefore owes 40 in tax.

li = pounds

sterlings = shilling

Affid. = affidavit: this indicates that the person has not paid the tax which he/her owes to the Exchequer

Roman numerals

c = 100

l = 50

x = 10

v = 5

vi = 6

iv = 4

i = 1