What on earth is a “Challerpoy”? A mysterious word in an eighteenth-century churchwarden’s account leads to an investigation into old handwriting, changing dialect and the forgotten responsibilities of parish officials. Following the clues through 250-year-old records, this article reveals how one puzzling entry uncovers a surprising story of magpies, vermin laws and the challenges of interpreting historic documents.
The History of Armitage-with-Handsacre Parish
People, Places and Stories from a Staffordshire Parish