Militia Lists 1803

[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.