Exchequer, Augmentation Office, Queens' Councils

Petitions and other proceedings in equity heard before the councils of queens consort; and concilar memoranda, draft leases and other documents relating to the management and administration of the queen's estate.

Much of the archive pertains to the council of Catherine of Aragon, first wife of Henry VIII. Other queens represented are Margaret of Anjou, Elizabeth Woodville, Elizabeth of York, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Catherine Howard and Catherine Parr. Later records are mostly to be found in Land Revenue (LR) series.

Topics

Government finances

Litigation

Queens of England were dowered with lands in the king's gift as part of their marriage settlement. This estate was intended to provide the new queen with money to support her household during her marriage, as well as to maintain her during her widowhood should she outlive her husband.

The principal business of the queen's council was the efficient management of this estate; to give advice; and to handle legal business. The queen's council included senior estate officers, such as her receiver general and her surveyor; senior household and administrative officers, including her secretary; and lawyers, including her solicitor and her attorney. The council was headed by her chancellor.