 Holders of land were under an obligation to the king to support the king 's household , though exemptions could be obtained . A charter of the late 840s released the monastery of Breedon on the Hill from the requirement to supply food and lodging to Beorhtwulf 's servants and messengers , including " the royal hawks , huntsmen , horses , and their attendants " . The exemption cost a substantial sum , and did not release the monastery from every burden ; the obligation to feed messengers from neighbouring kingdoms or from overseas was excluded from the exemption . 
