Chapter 50 - How the Master licensed certain people to mint coins and provided upkeep for many people
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 28 December 2023
Summary
Leaving aside the reasons amply advanced by certain writers who argue how advantageous it is to the realm for all who are able to do so to mint coins, let us simply record how the Master went about it and make no further comment.
For that reason it is important for you to know that at the time when the Master had his coinage minted, because he believed it was to his advantage and profit, he licensed Lisbon's city council to mint a quantity of silver to assist them in their expenses. This was not just for the soldiers whom the city had to pay, but also for a growing number of items necessary at that time for its defence.
Similarly, he licensed Doctor João das Regras and others, without taking any profit from what they minted, but all the coins they produced were handed over to him. Having minted this coinage, the Master at once provided upkeep for the nobles and officials belonging to his household.
In this way 100 libras were paid to both Doctor João das Regras and Doctor Martim Afonso, along with others as appropriate. 100 libras were also paid to Dom Afonso, who was the son of Count Álvaro Pérez [de Castro], and to Dona Leonor Teles, who was the wife of Dom Pedro de Castro, and to Dona Beatriz his sister. As for the rest, there is no need to provide any specific account.
But what shall we say about the noble qualities of this virtuous lord? Despite the fact that his mind was at this time divided between so many separate worries, which this undertaking so obviously required, he did not neglect spiritual matters. Sparing no expense, he immediately ordered a highly honourable memorial ceremony for the soul of his brother King Fernando, giving the responsibility for it to Antão Rodrigues, who was the Prior of São Nicolau.
He also provided upkeep for certain devout persons, urging them to pray to God on behalf of himself and the realm. Accordingly, Friar João da Barroca, as well as anchoresses Margarida Eanes and Maria Esteves, received 4 soldos a day.
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- Information
- The Chronicles of Fernão LopesVolume 3. The Chronicle of King João I of Portugal, Part I, pp. 105 - 106Publisher: Boydell & BrewerPrint publication year: 2023