The
word "Exchequer" came from the chequered cloth on the table used
to calculate in Roman numerals the amount due and the amount paid.
The word "calculate" derives from the word "calculi", meaning
peebles. It was a kind of abacus. The Exchequer received yearly
from the sheriffs of the counties taxes, fines, treasure trove,
goods from wrecks, deodands, and movable property of felons, of
persons executed, of fugitives, and of outlaws due to the Crown.
The Conqueror presided yearly over feasts involving several
thousand guests at Westminster Hall, which was 250 feet by 70 feet
with a high ceiling, the largest hall in England.
The Conquerer's reign was a time of tentative expedients and
simple solutions. He administered by issuing writs with commands
or prohibitions. These were read aloud by the sheriffs in the
county courts and other locations. Administration was by the
personal servants of his royal household, such as the chancellor,
chamberlain, constable, marshalls, steward, and butler. The
language of government changed to Latin. The chancellor was from
the clergy and supervised the writers and clerks, who were
literate, and appended the great seal before witnesses to
documents. He also headed the staff of the royal chapel. The
chamberlain was a financial officer who audited and accounted. The
constable was responsible for supplies for the knights of the
royal household.
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