Under Clerks c. 1689-1782

Under Clerks c. 1689-1782

Although the distinction between Chief and Under Clerks probably existed before 1689 it is not until this year that it is possible to place particular Clerks securely in one or other of these grades. (fn. 1) The appointments of Under Clerks began to be recorded in the minutes in 1718. Before that date their periods of service can only be approximately determined. Their number was not fixed. It fluctuated considerably before 1714. From the transfer of the salaries of the Under Clerks to the civil list in that year until the reform of 1776 there was an almost continuous increase. Amongst the factors contributing to this increase were, on the one hand, the fact that the Treasury continued to pay salaries to Clerks who had ceased to take an active part in business and, on the other, the practice, invariable after 1762, of placing the Clerks of the Revenue Department on the establishment as a means of increasing their remuneration. In 1776 the active membership of the establishment was fixed at twenty-one, seven places being reserved for the revenue Clerks and the remainder being allocated to the Under Clerks engaged in the business of expenditure. (fn. 2)

From at least 1714 the relative standing of the Under Clerks was governed by the principle of seniority. The only exceptions to this rule occurred when Clerks were accorded positions other than the most junior on their appointment. There were six cases of this kind. In all but two the beneficiaries were Clerks or former Clerks of the Revenue Department whose previous service in the Treasury was probably the reason for their special treatment. (fn. 3)

The Under Clerks received part of their remuneration in the form of fixed salaries from at least 1695. From that year to 1714 most of these salaries were paid out of the secret service. In certain cases, however, they were paid out of the fee fund, although they were in each case eventually transferred to the secret service. The amount of the salaries varied before 1714. In so far as there was any general rule it was that they began at £40, rising in due course to £50. By 1714 two Clerks were receiving £100. (fn. 4) On the transfer of the salaries to the civil list in that year the amounts were standardised. Until 1733 the three senior Under Clerks were paid £100 and the rest £50. After 1733 it was the rule for all to receive £100. (fn. 5) In addition to their salaries those Under Clerks who were engaged in the business of expenditure enjoyed personal fees on the instruments which they prepared.

LIST OF APPOINTMENTS