Scaccarium is a Latin noun that refers to an ancient financial institution or a government office responsible for administering and auditing the royal finances and accounts. The term originates from the medieval Latin word "sca(r)c(h)arium," which ultimately derived from the Old French word "escachie" or "eschate," meaning a chessboard. This is likely because the counters or coins that were used to represent monetary values in the accounts were arranged in a checkered pattern, similar to a chessboard.
Historically, the scaccarium was primarily associated with the English royal administration during the medieval period, particularly from the 12th to the 19th centuries. The office was established to ensure accurate record-keeping of royal revenues, expenditures, and debts.
The scaccarium was headed by a chief officer known as the "Chancellor of the Exchequer," who acted as the principal financial advisor to the monarch. The Chancellor of the Exchequer presided over the collection of taxes, auditing of accounts, and management of royal revenues. The staff working in the scaccarium were known as exchequerers or tellers, who were responsible for recording transactions and conducting audits.
Over time, the scaccarium expanded its responsibilities beyond just financial matters and became involved in broader administrative functions, such as governance, law enforcement, and the issuance of grants and charters.
Although the scaccarium as an independent institution has been abolished in modern times, its legacy can be seen in the continued use of the term "Exchequer" to refer to the British government's financial department and the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
