Legal Definitions - butlerage

Definition: Butlerage is a tax that was imposed on wine imported into England. This tax was paid to the royal butler. It is similar to another tax called prisage.

Example: In the 14th century, a merchant who imported a barrel of wine into England had to pay a butlerage tax of two shillings to the royal butler. This tax was in addition to other taxes and fees that the merchant had to pay.

Explanation: The example shows how butlerage was a tax that was imposed on wine imported into England. The tax was paid to the royal butler, who was responsible for the king's wine cellar. The amount of tax was usually a fixed amount per barrel or per gallon of wine. This tax was an important source of revenue for the English monarchy.