FifthView
Vala
The more general question: From medieval through Renaissance periods in Europe, how did the children of royalty, nobility, and perhaps extremely wealthy merchants, receive money?
I suppose a variety of methods and means would explain why all the rich brats in fantasy worlds always have coin to throw around, heh. Everything from being made lords with estates themselves, to bribery, to engaging in various money-making ventures, to simply going down to the king's treasurer (or equivalent manager of money for nobles and possibly even rich merchants) and asking for coin.
But I'm looking for a process similar to a monthly allowance. I think that term might have been used; but are there better terms for the process? And how would the coin be doled out? Would the son of a very wealthy merchant or noble receive a writ monthly and exchange it for coin at a bank (probably more Renaissance) or, if noble or royalty, take it to the household's treasurer?
My more specific question for my WIP:
I have a youngest son of an extremely wealthy, prominent merchant family. He was born late. His brothers are about twenty years older than he is and have already taken over family estates and, along with the father, manage the business. This youngest son is basically spoiled, has no responsibilities, is eighteen years old, and is fully supported by his parents. His parents haven't pushed him in any direction, i.e., to join the family enterprise or find some other employment, but basically let him run wild. How would I go about explaining (really, showing) this? An allowance?
I suppose a variety of methods and means would explain why all the rich brats in fantasy worlds always have coin to throw around, heh. Everything from being made lords with estates themselves, to bribery, to engaging in various money-making ventures, to simply going down to the king's treasurer (or equivalent manager of money for nobles and possibly even rich merchants) and asking for coin.
But I'm looking for a process similar to a monthly allowance. I think that term might have been used; but are there better terms for the process? And how would the coin be doled out? Would the son of a very wealthy merchant or noble receive a writ monthly and exchange it for coin at a bank (probably more Renaissance) or, if noble or royalty, take it to the household's treasurer?
My more specific question for my WIP:
I have a youngest son of an extremely wealthy, prominent merchant family. He was born late. His brothers are about twenty years older than he is and have already taken over family estates and, along with the father, manage the business. This youngest son is basically spoiled, has no responsibilities, is eighteen years old, and is fully supported by his parents. His parents haven't pushed him in any direction, i.e., to join the family enterprise or find some other employment, but basically let him run wild. How would I go about explaining (really, showing) this? An allowance?