Medieval government was conducted by the king himself. The members of his household inevitably had a role in government; they were chosen for this purpose, or, like the magnates, their power demanded their participation. All medieval departments began as a part of that household. Some of these went out of court, and thus ceased to be part of the household, by acquiring permanent offices at Westminster, no longer travelling with the king. However, they were always subject to his direct authority, which was often prescribed by statute. These departments included *chancery, the *exchequer, the courts of law and the office of the *privy seal. The king's household varied in size between 400 and 700 men and women, including servants, clerks and officials. Officials had their own servants and hangers-on. Most worked to provide the food and drink, the stabling, even music and medicine; there were also chaplains. Each department was required to keep and render its accounts. -
Dictionary of Medieval Terms and Phrases. Christopher Coredon with Ann Williams.