Ship Money

Ship money refers to a tax that Charles I of England tried to levy without the consent of Parliament. This tax, which was applied only to coastal towns during a time of war, was intended to offset the cost of defending that part of the coast, and could be paid in actual ships or the equivalent value. The collection of the tax inland during peacetime started in 1634 and provoked increasing resistance by 1636. This conflict was one of the causes of the English Civil War.

Read more about Ship Money:  Opposition

Famous quotes containing the words ship and/or money:

    “Now launch the small ship, now as the body dies
    and life departs, launch out, the fragile soul
    in the fragile ship of courage, the ark of faith
    with its store of food and little cooking pans
    and change of clothes,”
    —D.H. (David Herbert)

    “The Gospel of the army is cunning, as of all other human activities. The wisdom of the snake under the meekness of the sheep is what wins out.
    The first Commandment is—never let them get anything on you—
    The second: Graft—get privileges others haven’t got—worm yourself into confidence
    The Third—seem neat and prosperous—as if you had money in the bank—”
    —John Dos Passos (1896–1970)