I have heard that a tax was levied on individual baptisms or christenings around the beginning of the 19th century. Can anyone confirm this for me and advise me of the exact time period (start and end dates) such a tax was levied? I appreciate any help very much. Elizabeth Gracie

Hi Elizabeth The only one around the period that I am aware of 1783 stamp duty A stamp duty of 3d was placed on all entries and registers causing many families not to have children baptised. Paupers were exempt. Many entries of 'pauper' were made by the minister when parents would not pay. The duty was repealed in 1794 Once repealed some families had the children baptised as a job lot Nivard Ovington in Cornwall (UK) >I have heard that a tax was levied on individual baptisms or christenings >around the beginning of the 19th century. Can anyone confirm this for me >and advise me of the exact time period (start and end dates) such a tax was >levied? I appreciate any help very much. > > Elizabeth Gracie