Dear Roy, Lynne and Diana The Poor Rate Books were one set of books always kept in the Parish Chest since the Overseers of the Poor who administered the rate prior to 1834 were parish officers.. They are normally listed in the same schedules as the Parish Registers, Minute Books, Letters and anything apertaining to the parish. This is certainly the case in the Pembrokekshire Record Office. However not all parishes were careful to preserve these books once the new Poor Law system came into force in 1834. Where the do still exist, such as Castlemartin, they are excellent sources of additional information. Regards Joy