Treatise and papers on the offices of the English Exchequer

Manuscript volume containing papers relating to the offices of the Exchequer, 1642-1712, namely a treatise by Lawrence Squibb, Teller of the Exchequer, headed 'A book of all the severall offices of the Court of the Exchequer, together with the names of the present officers, in whose gift and how admitted', 1642; instructions, warrants, bills and notes on the offices of the Exchequer, 1690-1692; and a memorandum by Lionel Herne, addressed to the Rt Hon Thomas Mansell, 1st Baron Mansell of Margam, on his appointment as Teller of the Exchequer, relating to the offices and procedure in the Exchequer, [1712].

The Exchequer was responsible for receiving and dispersing the public revenue. The lower Exchequer, or 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.

Single item.

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 quarto. Bound in morocco.

Compiled by Sarah Smith as part of the RSLP AIM25 Project.

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.

University of London MS 9 also relates to Exchequer offices.

W H Bryson 'Exchequer equity bibliography', American Journal of Legal History , XIV (1970).