The Origins of Peter’s Pence*
Rory Naismith|Francesca Tinti
Abstract Peter’s Pence began as an annual donation from England to the papacy. It was later taken up more widely and lasted until Reformation in England, but its beginnings are much murkier. This article reassesses earliest forms of period before 1066. Offerings made by individual Anglo-Saxon pilgrims Rome gave rise regular gifts several kings between Offa (757–96) Alfred (871–99); under latter, also be associated with people well king. A fully articulated mechanism for raising only emerges later, however, time Edgar (959–75) his successors, especially Æthelred II (978–1016). The nature national local frameworks which were used extract, channel safeguard render assessed detail, based on sources across England. Bishops played a central role this system, above all archbishop Canterbury, who received collected tribute kingdom whole. article, utilising variety chronicles, law codes religious texts, coins, stresses significance emergence views late England’s government ideology. Comparisons post-Conquest other parts early medieval Europe underscore uniqueness large offering—a powerful reflection close ongoing relationship St Peter heirs.
The English Historical Review|Communities in ADDI (University of the Basque Country)|Research Portal (King's College London)