What was the purpose of exempting marcher earls from taxes?

• A. To improve their loyalty and encourage spending on defense and settlements
• B. To punish rebels
• C. To fund the royal treasury
• D. To restrict their military power

Answer: (A)

Exempting marcher earls from taxes was a strategic move to secure the king’s control over a volatile frontier. These lords governed the Welsh Marches with a great deal of autonomy, so the crown needed their loyalty and a strong ability to fund frontier defense. By removing tax burdens, the earls had more of their income available to invest in fortifications, garrisons, roads, and the settlement of towns along the march. This combination—bolstering loyalty while enabling them to spend on defense and settlement—made the policy effective for stabilizing the border. It isn’t about punishing rebels, funding the royal treasury, or restricting their power; it actually enhances their capacity to act on the king’s frontier aims.