Sixpenny Office


The Sixpenny Office was one of the British admiralty's smaller offices. Established in 1696, it was originally based at Tower Hill, London. The office's main responsibility was the collection of six pence from all serving seaman's wage's on a monthly basis that was used to fund Greenwich Hospital's provision of care for sick and aged seaman..
The office was administered by navy board Commissioners for Managing the Sixpenny Duty for the Support of Greenwich Hospital until 1832 when it, along with the Navy Board, was abolished and its functions were dispersed between the members of the Board of Admiralty.

History

The Sixpenny Office was originally established in 1692 during the reign of William and Mary of England. It was one of the admiralty's smaller offices and was responsible for collecting six pence from every serving seaman's wage on a monthly basis. The money was collected by duty receivers who were appointed to various ports around the country. The proceeds were then used to fund the Greenwich Hospital Department, which provided care for sick and aged seaman. The office and processing of the funds received was administered by Navy Board commissioners. When the Navy Board was abolished in 1832 its former function of collecting duty towards securing a seaman's pension transferred to the Board of Admiralty.

Head of office

Commissioners for Managing the Sixpenny Duty for the Support of Greenwich Hospital and Supporting Staff, Office at Tower-Hill. Incomplete list of post holders included:

First Commissioner and Receiver

  1. 1814-1826, Benjamin Stowe
  2. 1827-1832, Chas Kinsey

    Second Commissioner and Comptroller

  3. 1788-1820, John Beverley Esq
  4. 1820-1826, Chas Kinsey
  5. 1827-1832 G. B. Hamilton

    Supporting staff

Accountant

  1. 1788, John Cleveland

    First Clerk

  2. 1820-1832, Charles Stanbridge

    Receiver

  3. 1788-1803 Thomas Hicks
  4. 1803-1810, John Rashleigh

    Citations