[ENGLAND, PARLIAMENT.]
An ordinance of the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament. For the speedy raising and levying of moneyes, by way of excise or new-impost, upon severall commodities in the kingdome of England, and dominion of Wales. Which is for the maintenance of the forces raised for the defence of King and Parliament, both by sea and land …
London, for John Wright, 27 July 1643.
4to, pp. [2], 26; title within border of type ornaments, text in black letter, woodcut initials, head-pieces; closed tear to title (without loss); very good; disbound; the number ‘20’ inked at head of title and last page.
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An ordinance of the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament. For the speedy raising and levying of moneyes, by way of excise or new-impost, upon severall commodities in the kingdome of England, and dominion of Wales. Which is for the maintenance of the forces raised for the defence of King and Parliament, both by sea and land …
The ordinance which introduced Excise into England. ‘Excise’ is defined in the OED as follows: ‘A duty charged on home goods, either in the process of their manufacture or before their sale to the home consumers … In England this kind of taxation was first adopted in 1643, in acknowledged imitation of the example of Holland. It long continued to be highly unpopular.’
The list of commodities taxed contains few surprises: tobacco, various specified kinds of wines, beers and spirits, silk, satin velvet, furs, hats, lace, leather, linen and various kinds of cloth etc. Also set out are the ways in which the taxes are to be collected.
ESTC R12170.
