English Exchequer papers, 1708-1739

Manuscript volumes entitled 'Dividend Book of Fees', 1709-1738, giving details of fees paid each week to Tellers of the Exchequer and Clerks of the Treasury, who worked in the Exchequer of Receipt. Reginald Rye, Goldsmith's Librarian of the University of London, states that these are probably semi-official copies of accounts.

The Exchequer was responsible for receiving and dispersing the public revenue. The lower Exchequer, or Exchequer of Receipt, closely connected with the permanent Treasury, was an office for the receipt and payment of money. The upper Exchequer was a court sitting twice a year to regulate accounts. The business of the ancient Exchequer was mainly financial, though some judicial business connected with accounts was also conducted. In time the upper Exchequer developed into the judicial system, while the lower Exchequer became the Treasury.

Access to this collection is unrestricted for the purpose of private study and personal research within the supervised environment and restrictions of the Library's Palaeography Room. Uncatalogued material may not be seen. Please contact the University Archivist for details.

Part of the Goldsmith's Library of Economic Literature, initially collected by Herbert Somerton Foxwell and presented by the Goldsmith's Company to the University of London in 1903.

Collection level description.

Manuscript folios. Bound in vellum.

Compiled by Sarah Smith

Copies may be made, subject to the condition of the original. Copying must be undertaken by the Palaeography Room staff, who will need a minimum of 24 hours to process requests.

Official papers relating to the Exchequer of Receipt are held at the Public Record Office, London.