Chamberlain of North Wales facts for kids
The Chamberlain of North Wales was an important financial official in Wales a long time ago, during the Middle Ages. This person was like a chief accountant for the northern part of Wales, managing money and records from a special office called the Exchequer in Caernarfon.
How the Job Started
In 1282, Edward I of England, who was the King of England, took control of North Wales. Before this, Wales had its own Welsh princes. After the King took over, he made new rules for how North Wales would be governed. These rules were written down in a document called the Statute of Rhuddlan in 1284.
To help him run North Wales, King Edward I created several new official jobs. One of these important new jobs was the Chamberlain of North Wales. This person was chosen by the King and helped manage the King's lands and money in the area.
What the Chamberlain Did
The Chamberlain of North Wales worked from Caernarfon and was in charge of all the money matters for the northern counties of Wales. These counties included Anglesey, Merionethshire, and Caernarfonshire. The Chamberlain collected taxes and other income, and then reported all these financial details to the main Exchequer (the government's money office) in Westminster, England.
Besides handling money, the Chamberlain also looked after the Great Seal of North Wales. This special seal was used to make official documents, like agreements for renting land or papers that approved payments, legally binding. People would ask the Chamberlain for advice when these important documents needed to be sealed.
Famous Chamberlains
Some of the people who held the important job of Chamberlain of North Wales included:
- Thomas Walton
- Henry Norris (courtier)
- Richard de Abyndon
- Robert le Poer
- Lewis ap Owen
