The name "Maundy" comes from the Latin Dias Mandatum, which means the "day of the new commandment," where  people should love one another, just as Christ loved them. To show humility Jesus washed the feet of his disciples and the Pope still practises this tradition today. Over the centuries this tradition has been practised by many religious and sectarian leaders, including monarchs, usually whilst aiding the poor of the communmity by distributing food, cloth, and money. 

Origins of Maundy Money

In the 12th century, the English Church started the custom of giving money to elderly people who had served the crown outstandingly. This is known as "Maundy Money". These specially minted coins are given in red and white ceremonial purses by the reigning King or Queen. At the same time Kings and Queens of England would wash the feet of the poor as a way of humbling themselves. This tradition continued until the 17th century. In Britain, the tradition of giving silver coins to the poor is believed to have originated in 597 AD with St. Augustine and has been performed by the monarch since the days of Edward II.

Originally Kings gave money to men and Queens gave money to women, but at some point this was abandoned and money was given to each. James II was the last British monarch to have personally washed the recipients feet. Originally in the days of Edward II only silver pennies would have been distributed, even though fourpences known as groats would have been available.

Modern Maundy Money is based on the denominations given for the first time in 1667. It consists of four coins, a penny, a twopence, a threepence, and a fourpence. The ceremony was originally performed at the Chapel Royal in Whitehall, and later it was Westminster Abbey. Early in her reign Queen Elizabeth II decided the service should be held at a different venue every year, and not just in London. Owing to Covid restrictions in 2020 Maundy money was distributed by post and that will probably  be the same this year.