Brief Yorkshire campaign against the distraint of knighthood tax

Question 1

Brief Yorkshire campaign against the distraint of knighthood tax:

Date

Answer 1

1634

Question 2

Brief Yorkshire campaign against the distraint of knighthood tax:

Summary

Answer 2

Distraint of knighthood = a medieval custom where all those with land worth over £40 per annum were expected to be knighted by the monarch or pay a fine.

• Over 9,000 individuals were charged which brough in about £170,000.

A brief campaign against the tax thus began in Yorkshire.

Question 3

Brief Yorkshire campaign against the distraint of knighthood tax:

Consequence

Answer 3

Gained little support when the Exchequer judges supported Charles’ right to collect the tax.

Political cost heavy, alienated many supporters of monarch.

Shows the power of the monarch in controlling the law courts and judges