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Simple English definitions for legal terms
Clerk of the Pipe
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A quick definition of Clerk of the Pipe:
The Clerk of the Pipe was an officer in charge of keeping records of the money that the king collected. These records were called Pipe Rolls and they contained information about the money collected from taxes, fees, and other sources. The Pipe Rolls were important because they helped the king keep track of his money and make sure that everyone paid what they owed. The Clerk of the Pipe was responsible for making sure that the Pipe Rolls were accurate and up-to-date. This office was abolished in 1833.
A more thorough explanation:
The Clerk of the Pipe was an officer in charge of the Pipe Rolls, which were records of royal revenue collected by the Exchequer. The office was abolished in 1833.
The Pipe Rolls were records of royal revenue collected by the Exchequer. They included revenue from feudal holdings, judicial fees, and tax revenue collected by the sheriffs. The rolls were made up of 676 parchment skins sewn together, covering the years 1131 and 1156 to 1833 (except for gaps in 1216 and 1403). They contain information about royal debtors, administration, and personnel of the King's government.
For example, if a sheriff collected taxes from a town, they would report the amount to the Exchequer, and this information would be recorded in the Pipe Rolls. The Clerk of the Pipe would be responsible for keeping these records organized and up-to-date.