Income
Posted by John W on April 20, 1998 at 12:00:12:
In response to Not really, written by Caroline on April 18, 1998 at 11:13:11
' estimated at £umpteen thousand per annum.'
John W: One thing to bear in mind is the approximate nature of such estimates. An estate of X Thousand would mean a nominal rent roll of that sum. The ability to realise anything like it would depend on the management capabiluty of the owner, and the state of the economy in general--particularly wheat and wool prices. Similarly, a parson or vicar with a living of a certain sum would receive only part of it in money, and then as tithes which were difficult to collect, and part probably as glebe land which he had either to farm or let to a farmer. Incomes in the 18th century were by no means certain, and were paid quarterly or annually, hence the mass of debt and bills of exchange which cluttered up peoples' lives and provided the mechanisms for so many plots! The only certain source was money in the Funds--the Consolidated Fund of the National Debt, which paid its interest regularly, though at long intervals.
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