The Hampshire Hearth Tax Assessment, 1665, with the Southampton Assessments for 1662 and 1670

Overview of the Book "The Hampshire Hearth Tax Assessment, 1665, with the Southampton Assessments for 1662 and 1670"

Title: The Hampshire Hearth Tax Assessment, 1665, with the Southampton Assessments for 1662 and 1670 Editors: Elizabeth Hughes and Philippa White Publisher: Hampshire Record Office (1991) Format: Hardcover

Key Themes:

1. Historical Context: The book provides a historical context for the Hearth Tax, which was introduced in 1662 to alleviate financial difficulties faced by Charles II following the Restoration of the Monarchy.
2. Taxation System: It details the taxation system, including the annual levy of two shillings on every firehearth or stove within dwellings, houses, edifices, or lodgings, payable half-yearly at Michaelmas and Lady Day.
3. Exemptions: The book highlights exemptions from the tax, such as those who did not pay poor or church rates, or those inhabiting houses worth less than 20 shillings a year or possessing assets over £10.

Plot Summary:

The book is a historical document that compiles the Hearth Tax assessments for Hampshire and Southampton in 1665, along with earlier assessments for 1662 and 1670. It provides a detailed record of households and their taxable hearths, offering insights into the socio-economic structure of the time. The document is edited by Elizabeth Hughes and Philippa White, who have compiled the data from various historical sources, including the Hampshire Record Office.

Critical Reception:

While there is no specific critical reception available for this book, it is clear that it serves as a valuable historical resource for scholars and researchers interested in the socio-economic history of 17th-century England. The detailed records and historical context provided make it a significant contribution to the field of historical taxation and local history.

Additional Information:

• Publication Details: The book is published in hardcover format by the Hampshire Record Office in 1991.
• ISBN and ISSN: Although not explicitly mentioned in the sources, it is likely that the book has an ISBN and ISSN, given its publication by a reputable historical record office. The ISSN 0267-9930 is mentioned in one of the sources, which might be related to the series or publication details.

This book offers a comprehensive historical record of the Hearth Tax assessments, providing valuable insights into the taxation system and socio-economic conditions of 17th-century Hampshire and Southampton.