proper. An ecclesiastical historian (Collier, vol. ii. p. 230) thinks
that this decay of York is chiefly to be ascribed to the dissolution of
monasteries, by which the revenues fell into the hands of persons who
lived at a distance.

A very grievous tax was imposed this session upon the whole stock and
moneyed interest of the kingdom, and even upon its industry. It was a
shilling in the pound yearly, during three years, on every person worth
ten pounds or upwards; the double on aliens and denizens. These last, if
above twelve years of age, and if worth less than twenty shillings, were
to pay eightpence yearly. Every wether was to pay twopence yearly; every
ewe, threepence. The woollen manufactures were to pay eightpence a pound
on the value of all the cloth they made. These exorbitant taxes on money
are a proof that few people lived on money lent at interest; for this
tax amounts to half of the yearly income of all money-holders, during
three years, estimating their interest at the rate allowed by law; and
was too grievous to be borne, if many persons had been affected by it.
It is remarkable, that no tax at all was laid upon land this session.
The profits of merchandise were commonly so high, that it was supposed
it could bear this imposition. The most absurd part of the laws seems
to be the tax upon the woollen manufactures. See 2 and 3 Edward VI.
cap. 36. The subsequent parliament repealed the tax on sheep and woollen
cloth. 3 and 4 Edward VI. cap. 23. But they continued the other tax a
year longer. Ibid.

The clergy taxed themselves at six shillings in the pound, to be paid
in three years. This taxation was ratified in parliament, which had been
the common practice since the reformation, implying that the clergy have
no legislative power, even over themselves. See 2 and 3 Edward VI. cap.
35.]

[Footnote 21: NOTE U, p. 412. The pope at first gave Cardinal Pole
powers to transact only with regard to the past fruits of the church
lands; but being admonished of the danger attending any attempt towards
a resumption of the lands, he enlarged the cardinal's powers, and
granted him authority to insure the future possession of the church
lands to the present proprietors. There was only one clause in the
cardinal's powers that has given occasion for some speculation. An
exception was made of such cases as Pole should think important enough
to merit the being communicated to the holy see. But Pole simply
ratified the pos