Court of General Surveyors facts for kids

The Court of General Surveyors was a special court set up a long time ago in England. It was created by King Henry VIII to help manage land and money that used to belong to the Roman Catholic Church. This happened after a big event called the dissolution of the monasteries, which meant many monasteries were closed down.

What Was the Court of General Surveyors?

The Court of General Surveyors started in 1540. Its main job was to look after lands taken from monasteries whose leaders had gone against the king. It was one of four new courts created around that time. These courts helped the king gain more control over the wealth and property that was no longer owned by the Church.

Why Were These Courts Created?

King Henry VIII decided to close down many monasteries and take their lands and money. This was a huge change for England. To handle all this new property and money, he needed new ways to manage it. That's why courts like the Court of General Surveyors were created. They made sure the king's government could keep track of everything.

How the Court of General Surveyors Worked

While the Court of General Surveyors handled lands from monasteries whose leaders were disloyal, another court, the Court of Augmentations, dealt with most of the other monastic lands. The Court of Augmentations was actually set up a bit earlier, in 1536. Both courts played a key role in managing the vast amounts of property that came under the king's control.

Joining Forces: The Court's Changes

Over time, these courts changed. In 1547, the Court of General Surveyors and the Court of Augmentations joined together. They formed a new, bigger court called the "Court of Augmentations and Revenues of the King's Crown." This new court didn't last forever either. By 1553, it became part of a much older and larger government department called the Exchequer. The Exchequer was (and still is) responsible for managing the country's money.