Falconry Tax
Location :
United Kingdom (Medieval Period)
Impact :
Made falconry more exclusive to the wealthy, reinforcing social hierarchies.
How it worked:
A tax on owning and training falcons, a sport and status symbol among the nobility.
Summary:
The Falconry Tax in medieval United Kingdom was a tax on owning and training falcons, a popular sport and status symbol among the nobility. This tax made falconry more exclusive to the wealthy, reinforcing social hierarchies and limiting the practice to those who could afford the additional expense.
The Falconry Tax highlights how taxation can be used to control luxury activities and reinforce social structures.
The Bird of Prey Levy

TRIVIA QUESTIONS
Which English monarch introduced the Bird of Prey Levy?
King Richard I
In which century was the Bird of Prey Levy introduced?
The 12th century
What was the primary reason for introducing the Bird of Prey Levy?
To raise funds for the Crusades and royal treasury
Which birds were primarily targeted by the Bird of Prey Levy?
Falcons, hawks, and eagles
How was the Bird of Prey Levy collected?
As a tax on owning and trading birds of prey, often imposed on the nobility and falconers
What was a common consequence for not paying the Bird of Prey Levy?
Confiscation of the birds or fines
How did the Bird of Prey Levy impact falconry in medieval England?
It made falconry a more exclusive and costly pursuit, primarily accessible to the wealthy
Which social class was most affected by the Bird of Prey Levy?
The nobility and landowners who kept birds of prey for hunting and sport
What was one method used to avoid the Bird of Prey Levy?
Hiding or disguising the birds to evade tax collectors
When did the Bird of Prey Levy decline in significance?
By the late medieval period, as other forms of taxation became more prevalent
