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Militia Lists 1803

Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2008 9:28 pm
by Stu in Hastings
In 1803, when Napoleon was threatening to invade England, an act of Parliment was passed (43 GEo. III c.96) which added to the rather piecemeal provision for local militia forces by authorising a 'Levy en Masse'. One of the requirements of the act was that lists shold be compiled of all males between 17 & 55 (with very limited exceptions)

These were categorised in four classes, according to age and family responsibilities, their occupations were listed, and a remarks column noted such things as willingness to serve, physical incapacity and existing volunteer service.

Class 1, Men aged 17-30, unmarried and no children under 10 years.
Class 2, Men aged 31-50, unmarried and no children under 10 years.
Class 3, Men aged 17-30, married, or with 2 children under 10.
Class 4, The remainder between 17 & 55 years.

In the name database The parishes of Buxted, Chiddingly, East Grinstead, East Hoathly, Fletching, Framfield, Frant, Hartfield, Horstead Keynes, Isfield, Lindfield, Little Horstead, Maresfield, Mayfield, Rotherfield, Uckfield, Wadhurst, Waldron & Withyham which make up the Northern Division of Pevensey Rape.