This entry is extracted from the Norham parish rate book, 1693 to 1752 and includes reference to Duddo. These books often provided a record of families or individuals in the parish who received financial assistance from the church. Their need for this assistance may have resulted from someone losing a partner, or becoming too ill or too old to work. The widow Blackbrough received £1 6 shillings for the year and 6 pence per week during 1746. This is approximately £75 per year and £1.70 per week by today's value. This detailed information is particularly useful to family historians.
It is interesting to note that this lady is not referred to by her christian name. It was common practice for widows to be referred to in this way at this time.
Many of the Ancroft parish records are deposited with Northumberland Archives Service. Previously they were kept at the church. For many years church records were stored in the Parish Chest. This tradition dates back to medieval times. The Chest would usually be found in the vestry and kept under lock and key. All church records would be stored there. For example, baptism registers, poor relief records and churchwardens' accounts would all be found within the Chest.
