Male servant tax

Extract from records of proceedings before the Commissioners 'for hearing and determining appeals against the duties on male servants' at the Golden Lion Inn at Cheriton Bishop, Devon, on 3 Feb 1807, giving reasons for allowing an appeal against a surcharge on a domestic servant made by the Rev. Bryan Roberts, Rector of Drewsteignton. The appeal had been challenged by James Searle, surveyor, and the commissioners were Richard Holland, John Cann and Baldwin Huldford. The return made by Roberts in 1806 had included 1 four wheel carriage, 2 riding horses, 2 labour horses, 4 sporting dogs, 1 male servant, and 'one other occasionally employed in his garden'.

A tax on households employing male servants was levied in Britain from 1777-1852.

Single item.

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Bought from E. Hall in 1967. Formerly with MS.712.

Collection level description.

12½" x 8"

Compiled by Sarah Aitchison as part of the RSLP AIM25 Project.

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