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Pay no tax

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ProfilePosted byOptionsPost Date

Chris

Chris Report 20 Jul 2006 11:13

Can anyone help please? What would it mean when these words are included in a Baptism entry in 1783. Does it mean they are so poor they are excused tax or is there another reason. Grateful for any ideas! Thanks Chris

Angela

Angela Report 20 Jul 2006 11:23

After a certain date, a charge was made (I think it was about threepence) for making baptism entries. If the people were too poor to pay then the parish clerk might mark the entry to say that they had not paid. Some of mine just say 'poor' after them!

Chris in Sussex

Chris in Sussex Report 20 Jul 2006 11:46

The Stamp Duty Act levied a tax on Baptism, Marriage and Burial entries between 1783 and 1794. Only paupers didn't have to pay the tax. It lead to a number of late Baptisms after 1794! Chris

Researching:
Avatar...My darling Dad. 1931-2019 'Take nothing on its looks, take everything on evidence. There is no better rule' Charles Dickens, Great Expectations. 'A brickwall is a problem that you haven't solved yet' Dave Annal http://media.nationalarchives.gov.uk/index.php/brick-walls-and-lost-ancestors/

Chris

Chris Report 20 Jul 2006 11:52

Thanks for that! I have another ancestor who is said to be 'a poor man'. No hiding your situation then! Chris

An Olde Crone

An Olde Crone Report 20 Jul 2006 17:26

This Taxation infuriated many members of the Clergy, who felt that they were being used as unpaid Tax Collectors. It is not unusual to see every person in the village being called a pauper - including, in one case, the 'Lord of the Manor'. OC

Chris

Chris Report 20 Jul 2006 18:34

Nice one! Wonder how long they got away with that! Thanks again, Chris