What is tallage?

Tallage was a type of tax collected by feudal landlords in medieval England, France, and other parts of Europe. It was usually levied on tenants who held lands and other properties from a lord or a manor.

The term "tallage" comes from the French word "tailler," which means "to cut" or "carve." This tax was considered a direct payment for the use of a lord's land and services, and it could vary in amount depending on a tenant's income, resources, and productivity.

Tallage was one of the many feudal obligations that tenants owed to their lords, along with military service, labor, and rents. It could be demanded at any time of the year, unlike other taxes that were collected annually or on specific occasions.

The purpose of tallage was mainly to provide a source of income for the lord, who could use it for his own needs or for the community's welfare. It was often used to finance wars, build castles, repair bridges and roads, or support local charities and institutions.

Despite its importance in feudal society, tallage was often criticized for its arbitrary nature and the lack of transparency in its calculation and collection. Many tenants resented the burden of tallage and sometimes rebelled against their lords, demanding fairer treatment and more representation in local government.