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General => The Common Room => Topic started by: lydiaann on Saturday 23 August 25 17:09 BST (UK)
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One of my hubby's extended family was a Chelsea Pensioner. It says he was in the 2nd Reg't of Foot, Trsfd from Paisley, his pension was permanent and his pension was one shilling (yes, I know, but this was 1846). The column next to his 'rate of pension' was "Rate of Poundage" - and his was '5'. What does this mean...can anyone solve this one for me please, nicely. It's stumped me entirely.
Many thanks in advance, as usual!
lydiaann
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Possibly the rate of commission earned by the paying agent?
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According to Google poundage was the rate set by law to be deducted from the pensions to pay for the upkeep of the Chelsea Hospital. The rate was originally set at 1shilling in every pound
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So I suppose that means 5 percent of his pension? That would mean he would lose a ha'penny of each payment. I am assuming that the one shilling is weekly.
Thank you, RJ, that's good to know. I have a rellie who also was a Chelsea Pensioner (and a highly decorated Napoleonic soldier at that) who received a much bigger pension and there was no hint of 'rate of poundage' on his. Mind you, it seems he came directly under Chelsea Hospital and not through an office, such as the one above who was 'transferred from Paisley'. Anyway, it seems my dilemma is settled, thanks again!