Spur Money

Although I used often, twenty years ago, when a chorister at the Chapel Royal, to take part in levying a fine on all who entered that place with spurs on, I was not aware of its origin till I saw it explained in your interesting publication (No. 23. p. 374.). There was a custom however, connected with this impost, the origin of which I should be glad to learn. After the claim was made, the person from whom it was sought to be exacted had the power to summon the youngest chorister before him, and request him to "repeat his gamut," and if he failed, the spur-bearer was entitled to exemption.