26. Ratepayers in 1658

The record of the Poor Rate made by the Churchwardens and Overseers of Kildwick parish in 1658 has been preserved. From this we get an idea of the wealth and standing of the inhabitants at the close of the Civil War.

The number of ratepayers in Sutton was forty nine, the 3rd highest number in the eight townships. The total amount paid was £1.2.3, and average of about 5½d.

John Dransfield's contribution was 1/1, the largest amount paid. During the 16th and 17th centuries the Dransfields appear to have been an important family. The first mention of them is in the will of John Copley of Batley Hall, and the document is dated 1543. Copley bequeathed to John Dransfield of Sutton in Ayredale, his house and lands thereto belonging. The new owner was not to molest the tenant living there, who was the widow of William Garforth. He had to pay an acknowledgement of 5/4 a year to the heirs of John Copley. John Dransfield continued to live a Sutton until 1577. His will, the earliest Sutton will now to be found, is dated July 11th 1577. He must have made it on his death bed, for five days later he was buried at Kildwick.

The document begins "I give my soul to God Almighty, our Lady Saint Mary, and all the Blessed Company of Heaven, and my body to be buried in the Parich Churchyard of the Holy Saint Andrew at Kildwick".

His descendants continued to live in the village, evidently in the capacity as resident agents or stewards of the Copley property. During these two centuries they exercised much influence. Then their name disappears from all records in connection with the village. Evidently in 1658 they were the chief family.

The next on the list is Peter Blakey who paid 1/-. John Craven, another familiar name, paid 11d. The rest paid smaller amounts down to William Parkinson and Richard Riley who paid one penny each.

There are seven Barretts on the list. These would be the same family as William who fought in the Civil War. Possibly relatives who had enriched themselves from his land during his enforced absence in Ireland. There are four Briggs mentioned, three Drivers and only two Smiths.

It is rather curious that Henry Horsfall and his mother who were then living at Malsis Hall paid only 3d to the rate. Perhaps the fortunes of the Civil War had gone against them.