This is a section of the Bothal Tithe Map of 1838 showing
Ashington and the surrounding area. The original tithe map also
has a list which is known as an award. Individual properties are
numbered on the map and details of ownership can be found on the
award. The payment of tithes started in England in the 8th
century [700-799AD]. At first tithes were payable in kind - 10%
of farm produce was payable to the local parish. In 1836 an Act
of Parliament changed the payment to a rent-charge payable in
cash. In order to set up this charge, a large-scale map and
award were created for most English townships. These documents
are known as the tithe award and map. Three copies were made.
One copy was for the Bishop [Diocese], the second copy was kept
by the local church [Parish], and the third copy was made for
the Tithe Office. The Northumberland Archives Service now holds
the Diocesan copy and many of the parish copies. The Tithe
Office copy is held at The Public Record Office.