The History of Tithes

Originally the tithe was a payment in kind (grain, wool etc.) made by parishioners based on their land holding for the upkeep of the parish church and clergy. With the dissolution of the monastries many of these rights fell into lay hands. Over time many of the payments were made in cash rather than kind.

By 1836 the government had decided to rationalise the position by commuting all tithes to a money payment (rent). Tithe Commissioners were appointed to implement this change. The result was two key docuents for each parish, the Tithe Map and the Tithe Aportionment.  

The Tithe Maps were of variable quality but that for Westow seems to be one of the better ones with many of the plots still recognisable today. We photographed the map in parts (not very professionally!) and these can be found on individual pages on this site. A layout plan will help you to see how the individual map segments relate to each other and the parish as a whole. On most maps we have overwritten the plot numbers which were not always clear. On two maps this was not practical because the plots are so small, but by magnifying them you will be able to see the detail clearly enough.

We have recorded key parts of the tithe apportionment in a single Excel spreadsheet which you can download. This makes it rather large but means that you can sort it to your own requirements.  The information not included is the size of each plot and the rent payable. The Apportionment spreadsheet can be downloaded by clicking HERE. The following notes apply to this list:

Note 1: Revd. Robert Harrison and Issac Priestman executors. of Revd. Thomas Harrison deceased.

Note 2: Mr. Riston Cobb and Emma Cobb executors of Robert Cobb deceased. 

Note 3: Martha Wilson surviving executor of Christopher Wilson deceased.

Note 4: Mary Goodwill executor of Richard Goodwill deceased.

Note 5: Jane Walker executor of George Walker deceased.