What are tithe maps, and how useful are they?
– Enclosure and tithe maps were first drawn up in the 18th century to try to settle disputes of the payment of tithes by landowners and property owners (tithes were rather like council tax – payments made to the local parish by all landowners). The purpose of tithe maps was to provide an definitive record of the size, location and ownership of every parcel of land and property. Enclosure maps predate tithe maps. Most of the tithe maps were completed between the 1830s and 1850s. Each map covers only a small area, but to a large scale so that all the necessary details can be included. Each field or area of land is drawn in, its boundaries shown and an identification number allocated. Tithe maps contain, or are accompanied by, a schedule giving a list of names (corresponding to the ID numbers on the map), which identify who owns each piece of land or building. The schedule also gives the area of each piece of land, and its description or name (if it has one). Note that tithe maps do not t
