Maundy money is distributed by the British sovereign to specially selected men and women on Maundy Thursday, the day before Good Friday. One man and one woman are selected for each year of the sovereign’s age. Maundy pence, made of silver, are specially made at the Royal Mint. The coins have face values of one, two, three, and four pence, but are worth much more. Each person receives one Maundy penny for each year of the sovereign’s age. In addition, each man and woman receives a purse containing 5 pounds and 50 pence.
The word Maundy derives from the Latin word mandatum (command). The custom originated from foot washing and alms giving by medieval abbots. For many years, the distribution of Maundy money took place at Westminster Abbey. But since the mid-1900’s, the ceremony has sometimes been held in certain other cathedral cities, such as Rochester and Hereford.
