Tithe map

The map and its accompanying schedule gave the names of all owners and occupiers of land in the parish.

[1] The payment in kind of one tenth of local produce to the church had been established in Anglo-Saxon England before the Norman Conquest.

It originally supported the local priest, but in some cases the right to receive the tithe was acquired by an organisation such as a monastery or college, who paid a curate.

This required the drawing of an accurate map (the accuracy of which was certified by commissioners) showing all the land in the parish.

The series of maps resulting from this legislation provides unprecedented coverage, detail and accuracy.

In a partnership with The National Archives[8] and a family history data website, TheGenealogist, it is possible to search the apportionments and view tithe maps.

[9] The black and white maps and apportionments that are online cover all that are available for England and Wales while there is an ongoing project by TheGenealogist to scan the originals in colour, some of which they have already made available.

Prior to the publication of large scale Ordnance Survey maps in the late 19th century, tithe maps were frequently copied (in whole or part) for other purposes: for example in connection with planned railways, or as part of the title deeds transferred on a sale of land.