Menu

Fishlake History Society

Recording historical information before it disappears

Fishlake History Society

Recording historical information before it disappears

Breaking News. Three Fishlake men  refuse a Knighthood.

 

According to the "Book of Compositions for not taking the order of knighthood at the Coronation of King Charles 1 1630-1632. Auditor of the receipt".

As published in Yorkshire Archaeological Society Record Series 1 Volume LX1, p90.

Fishlake cum Dowsthorpe (a now lost settlement north of Fishlake).

 

Richard Newsham.       £10.

 

William Trymingham. £12.

 

Thomas Perkin             £10.

 

Background information.

The practice of summoning men of sufficient landed wealth to  assume the responsibilities of knighthood was begun by Henry 111 in 1227. This was essentially for military services but as the nature of warfare changed the emphasis shifted towards raising revenue from those who refused to become a knight. It became a requirement that all men who possessed £40 worth of freehold land for the past three years, should present themselves for a Knighthood at the Kings Coronation. This practice eventually fell into disuse.

However, this ancient act was rediscover by Charles' master of the rolls, a man wonderfully named Sir Julius Caesar, having diligently research historical documents. This "Distraint of Knighthood" as it was known was re-introduced in 1630's after Charles had famously dissolved Parliament in 1629 deciding to rule without recourse to Parliament. Another devious plan to extract money by taxation as revenue was in short supply at the beginning of his reign.

Consequently in 1641 members of the Long Parliament voted that no man should be compelled to be a knight or fined for not becoming one.