Churchwardens & Overseers

for the Parish of Holne in the County Of Devon:

Transcribed by

Brian Brassett, <Brian.Brassett[at]btinternet[dot]com>

Unless otherwise stated the spelling of names and/or words appear as in the original document[s]. What must be taken into consideration however, is that there will be various interpretations placed upon the spelling of names/words which will be as a result of the translation placed upon the spoken word by the cleric or scribe recording the event. The cleric or scribe would translate and record names to the best of their ability, the name being spoken in the dialect of the county, or perhaps the parish and, through illiteracy, the parish record entry would not, or could not be challenged.

Further, the spelling, of what to present day readers would be quite common words, will vary according to the Churchwarden or Overseer making the necessary account entries. Many of these individuals were of modest education and would spell the word/name as it was spoken in the dialect of the time. For example; Shearge = Serge; Goune = Gown; Twise = Twice; and so forth. Many of the words are of course self evident but, for those that are not, a little playing around with the word/name will soon reveal the true intent of the writer of the time.

Churchwardens and Overseers to the Poor were drawn mainly from the wealthier members of the parish and were chosen, usually on a rotational basis, by the vicar of the parish and vestry members; the parish council. Churchwardens were in essence lay officers of the parish with the responsibility for, among other of their duties, the levying of Church and other rates. In general, Overseers to the Poor had responsibility for the administration of these church and parochial rates so levied, and set in accordance with the value of an individuals property. As may be seen in section two of the transcription, the rate was set by the parish council, and authorised by counter signature usually by at least two Justices of the Peace.