Baptism fees and charges prior to 1871 (2012 values) (General)

by Roger Griffiths , Thursday, June 21, 2012, 20:30 (4541 days ago) @ slowhands

Most interesting, I never bothered looking into parish charges. I am rather surprised as parish records were vital to the Tudor Poor Laws and later.

The majority of people in the 18th Century were agricultural labourers. Even in 1850 50% were still so despite the industrial revolution.

An ag. lab. in the 18th Century, typically earned 10 shillings per week. A soldier a shilling a day, 'The King's shilling' and there were deductions. RN sailors were probably the same.

My GGGGrandfather died in 1749 aged about 34. His burial was not recorded in the parish register. However, in the records of the 'Overseers Assessments & Disbursements' the following record says 'Coffin and shroud for John Griffiths 10 shillings'. A weeks earnings for an ag. lab. People then had to be buried in woollen shrouds by Law.