BENEVOLENCE, a term for an act of kindness, or a gift of money or goods, but used in a special sense to indicate sums of money, disguised as gifts, which were extorted by various English kings from their subjects without consent of parliament (Lat. bene, well, and volens, wishing). Edward II. and Richard II. had obtained funds by resorting to forced loans, a practice which was probably not unusual in earlier times. Edward IV., however, dis carded even the pretence of repayment, and in 1473 the word benevolence was first used with reference to a royal demand for a gift. Edward was very successful in these efforts, and as they only concerned a limited number of persons he did not incur serious unpopularity. But when Richard III. sought to emulate his brother's example protests were made which led to the passing of an act of parliament in 1484 abolishing benevolences as "new and unlawful inventions." In spite of this act Richard demanded a further benevolence ; but it was Henry VII. who made the most extensive use of the system. In 1545 Henry VIII. demanded a "loving contribution" from all who possessed lands worth not less than forty shillings a year, or chattels to the value of In 1614 James I. ordered the sheriffs and magistrates in each county and borough to collect a general benevolence from all persons of ability, and with some difficulty about £40,00o was collected. Four counties had, however, distinguished themselves by protests against this demand, and the act of Richard III. had been cited by various objectors. Representatives from the four counties were accordingly called before the privy council, where Sir Edward Coke defended the action of the king, quoted the Tudor precedents and urged that the act of 1484 was to prevent exactions, not voluntary gifts such as James had requested. In 1615 an attempt to exact a benevolence in Ireland failed, and in 1620 it was decided to demand one for the defence of the Palati nate. Circular letters were sent out, punishments were inflicted, but many excuses were made and only about £34,00o was con tributed. In 1621 a further attempt was made, judges of assize and others were ordered to press for contributions and wealthy men were called before the privy council and asked to name a sum at which to be rated. About f 88,000 was thus raised, and in 1622, William Fiennes, 1st Viscount Saye and Sele, was imprisoned for six months for protesting. This was the last time benevolences were collected, although they were proposed in 1622, 1625, and 1633.