Don't believe us? We wouldn't either but it is true.
In 1535, King Henry VIII of England, who wore a beard himself, introduced a tax on beards. The tax was a graduated tax, varying with the wearer's social position. His daughter, Elizabeth I of England, reintroduced the beard tax, taxing every beard of more than two weeks' growth. This would of been ok if you couldn't grow a beard we suppose.
Not only did King Henry try and charge people, but so did Russia!
In 1698, Emperor Peter I of Russia instituted a beard tax to modernize the society of Russia following European models. Those who paid the tax were required to carry a "beard token".
This was a copper or silver token with a Russian Eagle on one side and on the other, the lower part of a face with nose, mouth, whiskers, and beard. It was inscribed with two phrases: "the beard tax has been taken" (lit: "Money taken") and "the beard is a superfluous burden".
Here is an image of a beard token.
So be thankful that we are now in 2015, and that nobody want us to pay for having a beard. Would you pay it? How much would be acceptable to pay?
Let us know!
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