hearth-penny

Under Edmund (941-46), at a great council of the clergy and laity held in London at Easter time, "Romfeoh" was declared to be one of the dues which must be paid by every man under pain of excommunication, and a later ordinance under Edgar speaks of it as the "hearth-penny" and enjoins with threats of heavy penalties that it must be paid by St. Peter's Massday, i. e.

The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 11: New Mexico-Philip 1840-1916 1913