This is an extract from the Haltwhistle parish churchwardens' account book for 1718 to 1792. The entry for John Hog relates to payment he received for producing the head of a fox. The churchwardens rewarded people who caught vermin in an effort to reduce disease in their parish. John received 2 shilling and 6 pence which is roughly equivalent to £7 at today's value.
Many of the Haltwhistle 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.
