The
Treasurer was responsible for the collection and distribution of
revenue and was the keeper of the royal treasure at the palace at
Winchester. He was also an important member of the household and
sat in the Exchequer at Westminster, where he received the
accounts of the sheriffs. The Exchequer was composed of the
justiciar as head, the chancellor, the constable, two
chamberlains, the marshall and other experienced councilors. 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
pebbles. 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.
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