Tolkien's political views

[Kuruharan]

Originally Posted by Inziladun

Maybe they're paid by some common fund? I can see that, though it was likely a pittance, and not meant to be more than supplemental income.

Somebody would have to administer a common fund though.

Originally Posted by Boromir88

Ah, quite right. There is also a centralized postal system. And it seems there were some legal hoops to jump through in order for Frodo to inherit Bag End from Bilbo. As Lobelia comes by after Bilbo's 2nd disappearance to inspect all the proper documents, only to find out everything is in order.

Once has to wonder if that level of legal detail was handed down by the Kings of Arnor or if that was something that developed among the hobbits themselves.

Barliman Butterbur, who is more than a bartender, but a proprietor, and family-owned business the Prancing Pony. He might just be the wealthiest man in town.

I wonder if the town of Bree developed around the inn. That might, in fact, make Butterbur the most important man in town.