The Prior of St John's financial role in service to the crown took two forms: as provider and collector of funds and, in three cases, as royal treasurer. This chapter commences with a synopsis of the Priors' previous financial experience within the Hospitallers, to help explain why Priors of St John were chosen for the two roles. It then proceeds to a discussion of the Priors as a source of finance, before analysing in detail the roles of the treasurer Priors, Chauncy, Hales and Langstrother, from the unpublished chancery and exchequer documents in the National Archives.

Financial background of the Hospitaller Priors

Tyerman has noted that the English tongue's chief contribution to the Crusades was financial, providing approximately 12.5 per cent of the Order's total European income. The Prior's main role, as far as the Order was concerned, was to oversee the smooth running of the Order's estates within his Priory in order to maximise their profit. It was therefore essential for a prospective Prior to prove his worth before election to the post, and many future English Priors appear to have done this in one way or another. Priors Chauncy, Hales, and Langstrother are given as examples below.

Joseph Chauncy was the Hospitaller treasurer at Acre for some 25 years (from at least 1248) before 1273, when he was elected Prior of England and became Edward I's treasurer. Very little needs to be added to this. To hold a post that long requires developed financial skills and expertise. For example, it was during Chauncy’s office as Hospitaller treasurer at Acre that the Order invested heavily in the Latin East to increase their influence, despite facing financial difficulties.