The first recorded Treasurer of the Inn, William Walsingham (father of Francis Walsingham), was appointed in 1530. Famously, Sir Francis Bacon served as Treasurer for nine years. He was elected in 1608 and held the position until 1617, when he was appointed Lord Privy Seal.
For most of the 16th century and for a brief spell in the 17th, two Treasurers served simultaneously, most probably for greater security. The period of office settled in the 17th century, when one Treasurer served for a two-year period, although there were many irregularities within this. From 1749 on, a new Treasurer was appointed each year; however, a shortage of Benchers in the late 18th and early 19th centuries led some to serve twice as Treasurer.
In 1835, the official office start date of the Treasurership was standardised as the first day of the Easter term; later, in 1905, this was changed to January 1.
The role of Treasurer was not always a simple one; for example, in 1597, Treasurer Richard Aungier was murdered while in office. Later in 1690, Samuel Buck was removed from the office of Treasurer for unclear reasons, but it is believed there was some inept accounting occurring; however, his reputation appeared to have remained undamaged as he continued to serve on the Pension Committee.
The Archive holds a record of Treasurers from the 1530s onward.