Hanaper facts for kids
A hanaper was originally a special case or basket used to hold a "hanap." A hanap was a fancy drinking cup, often with a foot or stem, popular in medieval times. For example, the famous Royal Gold Cup in the British Museum was called a "hanap" in old records from 1391.
The word "hanaper" also described a wicker basket used in the English Chancery. The Chancery was a very old government office that handled important documents like official orders and letters from the king. These baskets kept important papers safe.
You might know the word "hamper" today. It comes from "hanaper"! A hamper is a type of basket used for carrying things like food, gifts, or laundry. The verb "to hamper" means to get in the way or make something difficult. For example, if a broken lock "hampers" a door, it stops the door from opening easily. This word might come from old words meaning "to restrain" or "to clog."
What Was the Clerk of the Hanaper?
The Clerk of the Hanaper was an important job in the old English government, specifically in the Chancery office. Think of it as a special secretary who handled official documents.
Role of the Clerk
The Clerk of the Hanaper was in charge of collecting fees. These fees were paid when people needed official documents like charters (important agreements), patents (rights granted by the king), or writs (legal orders) to be officially sealed. The Clerk also helped issue certain writs that had the Great Seal of the kingdom on them. The Great Seal was a special stamp that made documents official and legal.
When the Office Ended
This office in Britain was eventually stopped in 1852. In Ireland, a similar job called the Clerk of the Crown and Hanaper continued until 1922. These changes happened as governments became more modern and organized.
