Origin
Originally conceived as a charity, the Chest was established after many seamen who had been disabled in the war against Spain petitioned Queen Elizabeth for relief and maintenance. Although the Chest was financed at first entirely by members' contributions of sixpence per month, the Government had to give a pay rise first. The main credit for founding it probably belongs to Charles Howard, Lord Howard of Effingham (1536–1624), the Lord High Admiral of England. Pensions were granted on a fixed scale, the amounts of which ranged from £6.13s.4d per annum for the loss of a limb to £15 per annum for the loss of both arms. In addition each pensioner was granted an immediate lump sum, generally equal to one year's pension, called "smart money".
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