© Jeff Dyson  - November 2006

There is an interesting note from the Vicar of Inkberrow, William Heath, recorded in the Parish Register on 1st January 1801 which states;

‘For some months before the end of this year the Poor’s Levies of the Parish amounted to the enormous sum of one hundred pounds a week owing to the extraordinary high price of every article of provision, which was on average during the winter of 1800/1801 as follows;

  Beef   6d a pound
  Veal and pork  8d
  Bacon   14d
  Potatoes  5/- a bushel ( a dry measure of 8 gallons)
  Wheat   £1.4s a bushel
  Barley   15/- a bushel
  Oats   8/- a bushel
  Beans   13/- a bushel
At the time too every article which contributes to the support and comfort of the human body was proportionally high, it was indeed a time of universal suffering both in public and private.  Wm Heath Vicar 1 Jan 1801’

At this time there was no poor relief and those who could afford it were required to contribute to the upkeep of those deemed paupers. The Overseers of the Poor and Churchwardens were vigilant to ensure that they only supported those who could prove residence in the Parish. Clearly the effects of the Napoleonic Wars were having their effect even in rural England.

This is followed by a census of the Parish of Inkberrow dated April 6 1801 which states;

  Population  Males  627
     Females 708
                1335