Deprived of Essence: The Story Behind the Gelded Legislation

The Vital Extraction

To deprive of a natural or essential part: this was the fate of a once-promising legislation, reduced to a mere shadow of its former self. Like a gelded horse, the crown tax imposed under Anglo-Saxon rule had its lifeblood drained away, leaving behind a hollow shell.

The Weaker Crown

Castration, for a horse, serves a purpose. It removes the animal's reproductive capabilities, rendering it more docile and suitable for certain tasks. In the case of the crown tax, this "castration" had a similar effect. The legislation, intended to bolster royal authority, was amended and watered down until it became a mere simulation of its original intent.