County management

The next day you discussed the financial situation and the management of your county with Niall.

"Sir, due to the recent war our treasury is nearly empty. We currently have only 22 pounds and 12 shillings left. The estates minimal upkeep was 8 pounds per month but since we increased the numbers of our house guards and also their pay, we need to spend at least 14 pounds each month now." Niall started with some numbers.

"How are our current tax revenues?" You asked.

"Well... that is the problem, Sir. Before the war it was around 12 pounds with each settlement paying 4 pounds worth of goods a month. The tax has been raised by King Edward I and they need to come up with 18 pounds a month now, most of the money and goods will be send to England though. Our share is only a third or 6 pounds. I am also not too sure that we will be able to collect these taxes at all. Frankly speaking I think it will be impossible for them to make this payment without starving to ****." Niall responded dejectedly.

"Tell me more about the problems with my serfs. I've heard that they are lacking the working power to cultivate the fields right now." You gestured for Niall to continue.

"Sir, many young Scottish men have lost their lives in the war. Many also went into hiding for fear of prosecutions. Of course, now that they've received the royal pardon some of them will return to the fields but even then we would need more people ot cultivate the lands efficiently. The biggest problem we have is that the tax rates are just too high. Peoples won't settle down on our lands if they are not able to survive." Niall explained.

"The tax rates were set by his majesty himself and they are the same in all of Scotland. The most I could do would be cutting my own share and as you've said I also have my own expenses... The estate is in a miserable state right now. The wooden palisades offer us no protection and the roofs must be repaired. What other ways do we have to raise money?" you inquired.

"Sir, before the war we could collect toll from travelers and merchants passing our lands. The check points are still there but the roads are in a bad state and quite dangerous. Brigands and highwayman lie in wait along the road waiting for their prey. The numbers of people moving through our lands are currently low, most of them traveling to the trading hub Berwick with their own escorts." Niall replied.

"I think the first thing we need to do is to ensure that we have enough people to bring in the harvest. We should look for day-workers. We will offer them a warm meal, a place to stay and a few pence per day. You will communiate with the village elders and ask them how many workers they will need. Do you think this is workable Niall?" you suggested.

"Sir, we can't offer the day labourers free lodgings and a warm meal. This would cause great disturbance with our serfs as they are barely able to feed their families themselves." Niall objected.

You could not imagine the hardship your serfs were in, but with Niall's explanation you finally understood that their situation was very dire. Remembering Lili's words you could not help but admit that her words were indeed true.

"Niall you will take some money and set up public soup kitchens in our settlements. We should first secure our serfs' basic needs before we take money from them. My serfs must know that I care about their wellbeing." You decided.

Niall was suprised but happy with your words, "Yes, Sir. I will handle it at once."

"Then please call in Alan, we need to discuss the patrol routes and check points. We need to strengthen the security and make it safer for merchants to use our roads again." you added.