King's shilling facts for kids
The King's shilling was a special payment given to people who joined the British army or navy a long time ago. It was usually one shilling, which was a type of coin used in Britain. If a queen was ruling, it was called the Queen's shilling. This tradition started after the English Civil War and was common in the 1700s and 1800s.
When someone "took the King's shilling," it meant they agreed to become a soldier in the British Army or a sailor in the Royal Navy. This was a way to show they were serious about joining. The practice officially stopped in 1879, but people still sometimes use the phrase today to mean committing to something important.
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What Was the King's Shilling?
The King's shilling was like a small advance payment. It showed that a person was ready to join the military. This payment was a key part of how the British forces recruited new members for many years.
Joining the Military
To join, a person would take the shilling. This was a public sign of their agreement. It meant they were ready to serve the King or Queen. This simple act made their commitment official.
The Role of the Shilling
The shilling was a symbol more than a large sum of money. It marked the start of a new soldier's or sailor's journey. It showed they were now part of the armed forces.
Becoming a Soldier or Sailor
After taking the shilling, a new recruit had to do one more thing. They had to make a formal declaration in front of a Justice of the Peace. A Justice of the Peace is like a local official who can confirm legal documents. Once this was done, the recruit was officially under military law.
The Bigger Payment
After the formal declaration, the new recruit received a much larger payment. This was called a "bounty." In 1812, this bounty could be as high as £23. To give you an idea, this amount was sometimes equal to about half a year's pay for an average worker.
How the Money Was Used
Even though the bounty was a lot of money, recruits often didn't keep much of it. A lot of the money went towards things like their new uniform and other fees. Still, the promise of this large payment was often enough to convince many people to join the army or navy.
When Did the Practice End?
The tradition of the King's shilling officially ended in 1879. By this time, the British military had changed its recruitment methods. They no longer needed this old way of getting new soldiers and sailors.
The Legacy of the Phrase
Even though the practice stopped, the phrase "taking the King's shilling" is still used. It's a historical saying that means making a big commitment. It reminds us of a time when joining the military began with a single coin.
