19.

Ordinance of the Saladin Tithe

(1188. Latin text, Stubbs, S. C. 160. Translation by Editors. 1 Stubbs, 627.)

1. THIS year each one shall give in alms a tenth of his revenues and movables, with the exception of the arms and horses and clothing of the knights, and likewise with the exception of the horses and books and clothing and vestments and articles required in divine service of whatever sort of the clerks, and of the precious stones of both clerks and laymen.

2. Moreover this money shall be collected in each parish in the presence of the parish priest and the arch-priest, and one Knight-Templar and one Knight-Hospitaller, and a servant of the lord king and the king’s clerk, and a servant of the baron and his clerk, and a clerk of the bishops; excommunication having been pronounced previously by the archbishops, bishops and arch-priests each one in every parish upon any one who does not rightfully give the aforesaid tenth in the presence and cognizance of those who ought to be present, as has been said. And if any one, to their knowledge shall have given less than he ought, four or six lawful men shall be chosen from the parish, who upon oath shall declare what amount he ought to have declared; and then this sum shall be added to the smaller amount he had given.

3. But clerks and knights who shall have taken the cross shall not pay this tithe except for their own property and demesnes: and whatever their vassals ought to pay shall be collected for their use by the aforesaid and the whole shall be paid over to them.

4. Moreover the bishops by their letters in each parish of their dioceses shall cause proclamation to be made on the day of the Nativity and of Saint Stephen and of Saint John that each one shall get together at his home the prescribed tenth before the Purification of the Blessed Virgin, and on the following day and thereafter in the presence of the aforesaid at the place to which he has been summoned each man shall make payment.