KEY SOURCES

PROBATE RECORDS

Wills were made by both rich and poor and there are examples right back to the 14th century. They often reveal details of the family structure and any property owned. You can also infer relationships based on who inherited what!

RATE BOOKS

In order to fund poor relief and other services, from the end of the 16th century property owners were required to pay a ‘rate’ based on the value of their holding. This was recorded in rate books, which are found in parish, overseer’s or church warden’s accounts. The books can be used to trace the history of a property. By the 18th century, rate books show ownership, sometimes its location, rates collected and notes on the owners and the property. After 1834, both the owner and occupier were listed.