I was delighted to welcome Frances Clamp today, even though her chosen subject of Hair Powder connected with Billericay had left me floundering to discover what Frances may have been talking about. Anyway it turns out that one of the minor taxes imposed on the rather more well heeled members of society in the 18th Century, was the hair powder tax and knowing who paid this tax and where they lived provides a insight into the relative importance of certain areas.
It seems that in 1795 there were 35 people – 18 women and 17 men – in Billericay who held certificates to show they paid the tax and could therefore wear hair powder. This compares with only one person in places like North Benfleet, Nevendon, Ramsden Bellhouse and Ramsden Heath. A few people were recorded in one or two places but as no one is listed at all in places like Vange, Pitsea, Laindon and Mountnessing, it has to be assumed that in such areas there was either no one rich enough, or vain enough to apply for a licence!
Listen again to what Frances had to say here: – [audio:https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Bygones-28th-May1.mp3|titles=Bygones 28th May]
Right that’s it for me. See you next week.
All the best
Scott
