Question

The clergy comprised the wealthy First Estate, with members of noble descent in particular having a great deal of power. What was the source of the clergy’s wealth?

family money
tithes
donations from the king
savings from paying low taxes

Answer 1

Tithes. The clergy’s wealth mainly came from tithes (mandatory payments—often one‑tenth of produce or income), plus rents from church lands and endowments/donations.