|This article does not cite any references or sources. (December
2009)| An almoner is a chaplain or church officer who originally
was in charge of distributing money to the deserving poor.
Historically, almoners were Christian religious functionaries
whose duty was to distribute alms to the poor. Monasteries were
required to spend one tenth of their income in charity to the
poor (a tithe). Bishops kept their own almoners and almoners
were attached to the courts of the Kings of France. Charles VIII
of France had a Grand Almoner in his employ. In the United
Kingdom, the Marquess of Exeter also holds the title of
hereditary Grand Almoner. Today, however, one of the most
prominent such offices is that of the Anglican Lord High
Almoner. The Lord High Almoner (currently the Rt Revd John Inge,
Bishop of Worcester) is responsible for organising the Queen's
annual distribution of Maundy money on Maundy Thursday. The
"Almoner of His Holiness," the pope's official almoner,
continues in office even after the pope dies. H