Chapter 1 The Counting House

1. Kenyon (2002) 27–8. The Kidwelly cofferer’s office is provided with a high window to give good light for writing, two deep, arched recesses, perhaps for beds for clerks safeguarding the contents of the strong-room, and a latrine for their use.

2. OED s.v. ‘Oubliette’.

3. E.g. NHB 30–33.

4. HO 15.

5. HO 13–86.

6. HO 69.

7. Emery (1970) 170.

8. Emery (1985) 276–339. Counting houses/offciers’ chambers over the buttery and pantry are also recorded at Kings College, Cambridge in 1447–8 and Durham Castle 1494–1502 (Salzman 522 & 410) and at Winchester College 1397–1400 (Emery (1970) 170).