Name Index

To

On the Destruction of “Vermin” in Rural Parishes.

Trans. Devon. Assoc., 1897, Vol XXIX, pp. 291-349.

by

T.N. Brushfield, M.D.

Prepared by Michael Steer

This paper was presented at the Association’s July 1897 Kingsbridge meeting. In it, the author provides a highly detailed and interesting compendium of data on an unusual and generally neglected topic. Its importance was gradually at that time, being recognized by social historians as an important factor in the history and development of English society generally. Towards this end Dr Brushfield recognised that the Wardens' and Overseers' Account Books of every parish, excepting those of towns and cities (and even of those having rural suburbs), contained numerous entries of payments made from local, (nearly always from Church), funds, towards the destruction of "vermin" — a generally inclusive term, inasmuch as it comprised beasts, birds, reptiles, and even insects. Such entries are found in the latter part of the 16th century, but they are infrequent until the middle of the next century, and from that period have extended down to the middle of the nineteenth century. The article, from a copy of a rare and much sought-after journal can be downloaded from the Internet Archive. Google has sponsored the digitisation of books from several libraries. These books, on which copyright has expired, are available for free educational and research use, both as individual books and as full collections to aid researchers.