Plymouth & West Devon Rate Books 1598- 1933

These records comprise almost 300,000 names of tax payers in Devon between 1598 and 1933.

These records are an excellent census substitute and usually record the following detail:

• Name of Occupier (head of household)
• Name of Owner
• Description of the property (house or business)
• Street Address/Township/Parish
• Rate to be paid (e.g. poor rate, water rate)
• Amount to paid
• Date paid or any default on payment

Rates were local taxes. The money collected was used for the upkeep of the churches, water supply, gaols, roads and hospitals. The Poor Law Act of 1601 introduced rates for the maintenance of the poor. Rate payers were also entitled to vote for committee members who oversaw the distribution of poor relief.

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.

These records can also be used to trace house histories and to learn the names of previous generations who lived in your home.