Office-Holders in Modern Britain: Volume 11 (Revised), Court Officers, 1660-1837. Originally published by University of London, London, 2006.
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'The household below stairs: Cofferer of the Household 1660-1782', in Office-Holders in Modern Britain: Volume 11 (Revised), Court Officers, 1660-1837, (London, 2006) pp. 400-402. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/office-holders/vol11/pp400-402 [accessed 26 April 2024]
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Cofferer of the Household 1660–1782
The cofferer of the household was the principal accounting officer of the Household Below Stairs and paid the wages and board wages of all servants below stairs and in the stables, and many in the chamber as well. He was appointed by royal warrant. (fn. 1) The remuneration amounted to £500 consisting of wages of £100 and board wages of £400. This officer was also allowed lodgings and the right to take poundage of 6d. in the pound on the bills and salaries which passed through his office. Early in the eighteenth century this came to over £2,000 per annum. (fn. 2) The office was abolished in 1782. (fn. 3)
The office of deputy cofferer, which was in the gift of the cofferer, developed from that of cofferer's clerk and was first accorded official recognition during the reign of George I. It was largely remunerated by fees and was valued at £500 to £600 in 1754. (fn. 4)