Rate Books
Rate books which were a local tax, provide lists of parish ratepayers and can be a substitute for, or a useful aid in finding people in the Census. These will help you discover an occupier and whether they rented or owned property. For the house historian they are invaluable because they often allow you to discover the name of previous occupiers in your home.
The amount payable was based on the value of the property and was collected at Midsummer (June), Michaelmas (October) and Christmas (January).
Rate books are arranged by street and the images can be used to discover who was living on a street when your ancestors were there.
In the 16th and 17th centuries parishes had a responsibility for raising rates for a variety of diverse services such as prison building, bridges and poor relief. During the 18th century these were slowly consolidated.
The amount payable was based on the value of the property and was collected at Midsummer (June), Michaelmas (October) and Christmas (January).
Rate books are arranged by street and the images can be used to discover who was living on a street when your ancestors were there.
In the 16th and 17th centuries parishes had a responsibility for raising rates for a variety of diverse services such as prison building, bridges and poor relief. During the 18th century these were slowly consolidated.
Originally the parish officials produced rate books on paper or parchment and recorded a name, the rent they paid and the rate assessed on them. Later following the Poor Law Amendment, printed rate books were produced and rate collection was transferred to local councils.
The rates were compiled by a collector walking around each district listing each head of household along the way.
Following the 1834 Act, the names of occupiers and often the owners name is listed with the value of the property, the rate paid and sometimes a house name
The best place to find Rate Books are County Record Offices
Find my Past has a small collection of Rate Books
Some London records can be found at Ancestry
The rates were compiled by a collector walking around each district listing each head of household along the way.
Following the 1834 Act, the names of occupiers and often the owners name is listed with the value of the property, the rate paid and sometimes a house name
The best place to find Rate Books are County Record Offices
Find my Past has a small collection of Rate Books
Some London records can be found at Ancestry