Exchequer - GCSE History Definition
Reviewed by: Zoe Wade
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In GCSE History, the Exchequer was the part of the government in medieval and early modern England that looked after the king’s money. It was set up in the 1100s and was in charge of collecting taxes, paying royal expenses, and checking the accounts to make sure everything added up. It was named after the chequered cloth used to help with counting money. The Exchequer was important because it helped the crown control finances and became a key part of how the government was run. Studying the Exchequer helps students understand how royal power and administration worked and developed over time.
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