stallers

views updated

stallers were officials in the late Anglo-Saxon household. The name derives from Danish and they were introduced during the reign of Cnut. There were seven of them in the reign of Edward the Confessor and they were clearly men of property and standing. Their duties included provisioning the army, a responsibility later taken by the constable. Ralph the Staller held one of the posts before the Conquest and remained in favour, being created earl of Norfolk. His son lost the title and position after a rebellion against the Conqueror.

J. A. Cannon