Home > Mary Evans Prints Online > National Archives
Tally sticks
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Tally sticks
Exchequer, Thirteenth Century tally Sticks Date: 13th century
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 7403701
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10474521
EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: "Tally Sticks of the Thirteenth Century: A Glimpse into Medieval Record Keeping" This image showcases a collection of Tally Sticks from the Thirteenth Century, an intriguing artifact of medieval record keeping. Tally sticks, also known as "pairs of sticks" or "counting rods," were used extensively in Europe during the Middle Ages as an alternative to parchment or paper for recording financial transactions. Each stick in this photograph is a pair, consisting of one marked stick and one blank one. The marked stick bears notches or "tally marks," representing the number of items or sums being recorded. The blank stick was used as a counter, allowing the scribe to keep track of the total by adding and subtracting tallies. Once the transaction was complete, the pair of sticks would be broken, with one half kept by each party involved in the exchange. The use of tally sticks dates back to the Roman Empire, but they gained widespread popularity during the Middle Ages, particularly in the Exchequer, the royal treasury of England. The practice continued until the late 17th century when paper records became more common. These tally sticks offer a fascinating glimpse into the financial and administrative practices of the medieval period. Their simple yet effective design demonstrates the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the people who used them, as they adapted everyday objects to serve important record-keeping functions. The intricate patterns of notches and marks on the sticks tell stories of transactions long past, providing valuable insights into the economic and social history of the time. This collection of tally sticks is a testament to the rich history of record keeping and the enduring importance of accurately documenting financial transactions.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
