Legal Definitions - tallage

Definition: Tallage is a historical term that refers to an arbitrary tax imposed by the monarch on towns and lands that belong to the crown. This tax was abolished in the 14th century when Parliament gained the power to approve or disapprove the monarch's direct-taxation schemes.

Additionally, tallage was also a levy demanded by a feudal lord from tenants in lieu of the tenants' provision of goods and services. The timing and amount of the levy varied according to local custom, type of tenure, and caprice.

Example: In medieval England, the king would impose tallage on towns and lands that belonged to the crown. This tax was arbitrary and could be imposed at any time, and the amount was determined by the king's discretion. For example, if the king needed money to fund a war, he could impose tallage on his subjects to raise the necessary funds.

Example: In feudal times, a lord could impose tallage on his tenants in lieu of the tenants' provision of goods and services. For example, if a tenant was required to provide the lord with a certain amount of grain or livestock each year, the lord could instead demand a tallage payment in cash.

These examples illustrate how tallage was an arbitrary tax that could be imposed at any time and for any reason. It was a way for those in power to raise funds without having to go through the formal process of obtaining approval from a governing body.