Akademik

Denarius Sancti Petri. A penny tax each year on every house in England, collected at midsummer, and paid to the Holy See. Just when it began is not clear. A letter from Canute in 1031 mentions the penny owed to Rome. Claims were made by Matthew Paris and William of Malmesbury for, respectively, Offa and Aethelwulf as the initiators. Matthew said that Offa, in beginning the payment, intended it to support the English school and hostel for pilgrims in Rome. What prompted its remission may have been Alfred's payment c.882-4 of substantial arrears, sufficient for the pope, Marinus, to free the English in Rome of any tolls or taxes. After Alfred's reign, there are intermittent records of the 'pence' being paid until the reign of Henry VIII. It was payable on St Peter's Day, 1 August. -

Cf. Benefit of clergy; Church courts; Schola Saxonum