Find your ancestors in Dorking Poor Law Union Application and Report Books 1837-1847

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These books contain an accounting of those who applied for poor relief. The relieving officer kept the records of such applications. These records can be particularly helpful in your family history research as they often contain details of the applicant’s family. For example, in James Alford’s application for poor relief, it is noted under ‘particulars of family’ that his wife was 61 years old and he had one child. Additionally, the records may explain why your ancestor was applying for such relief. This is the case with George Altree who applied for relief following his wife’s death for a coffin and associated fees.