Court of Wards and Liveries

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The Court of Wards and Liveries was a court established during the reign of Henry VIII in England. Its purpose was to administer a system of feudal dues, but as well as the revenue collection, the court was also responsible for wardship and livery issues.

It existed between 1540 and 1645. It was established by two Acts of Parliament (32 Henry VIII c. 46 and 33 Henry VIII c. 22). The Court ceased to have a function in the 17th century due to the abolition of feudal tenures by the Long Parliament in 1645. The Court was abolished by a further Act (12 Charles II c. 24).