Saxon & Medieval — Late Medieval; late 14th-early 15th century
Tally stick
Wooden tallystick. Tallysticks were used as receipts for loans or other payments. Notches were cut into them recording the amount of money involved, and then the stick was split lengthways. Both people taking part in the transaction would keep a piece as proof. When the debt was paid, the two pieces were compared to check the amount. The size of the notches indicates the sum of money. During the Peasants' Revolt in 1381 rebels tried to destroy records of debts like tallysticks.
- Category:
- Saxon & Medieval
- Object ID:
- 70.77
- Object name:
- tally stick
- Object type:
- Artist/Maker:
- —
- Related people:
- Related events:
- Related places:
- Production date:
- Late Medieval; late 14th-early 15th century
- Material:
wood, ink
- Measurements/duration:
- L 184 mm, W 10 mm (overall)
- Part of:
- —
- On display:
- —
- Record quality:
- 80%
- Part of this object:
- —
- Owner Status & Credit:
Permanent collection
- Copyright holder:
digital image © London Museum
- Image credit:
- —
- Creative commons usage:
- —
- License this image:
To license this image for commercial use, please contact the London Museum Picture Library.