France


French pay rates were higher than those in England because there was more money in France in the 14th century and the nobles serving the crown expected a higher rate of pay. The graft in France made the English (who were actually rather restrained in this area) appear models of civic virtue.

1. Chancellier 500,000

2. Grand Chamberlain 400,000

3. Bouteiller 250,000

4. Chambrier 200,000

5. Grand Pannetier 1/citizen week

6. Grand Veneur 100,000

7. Grand Maitre de Eaux et Forests 100,000 & 5%/revenue

? Ambassadors 100,000

? Emissaries 50,000

8. Senechal 200,000 & 5%/ revenue

9. Grand Maitre de l'Hostel et de la 150,000
Maison du Roi

10. Grand Ecuyer 100,000

11. Grand Falconer 100,000

12. Grand Queux 100,000

Senechaux and Baillis of crown 5 % revenue
properties.

Connetabale 400,000 & (B)

Amiral de France 265,000 & (A)

Marcheaux de France [two] 265,000 & (A)

Port Oriflamme 100,000

Grand Maitre de Arbalestries 50,000 & (B)

Grand Maitre de l'Artillerie 50,000 & (C)

Lieutenant General. 100,000 & (B)

Notes: These probably apply to the English counterparts as well. Figures for GM de Arbalestriers and Lt Gen are estimates.

(A) plus 132 more per man for the first month of any campaign

(B) plus ? more per man in his service for first month of any campaign?

(C) plus a lien on all bells and cannon captured

Some of the tasks performed by these individuals were interesting, to say the least.

The Chancellier was the general supervisor of the King's government, while the Grand Chamberlain supposedly ran his household. The Bouteiller was the Royal Butler, who had charge of the wine cellar and much of the Royal property. The Chambrier was responsile for overseeing the King's lodging and household good. The Grand Pannetier made sure the bread supply was adequate in Paris (lest the rabble rise). The Grand Veneur supervised the Royal Hunts, which usually took place in the forests supervisedby the Grand Master of Eaux et Forets (Water and Forest, a sort of proto-EPA Directorship, with the death penalty for poachers).


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