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Of the many sources for local history which we may find in record offices, the accounts each year of the churchwardens of a parish are often among the most informative: they were probably of little interest at the time but today often seem quaint. Some extracts from the wardens' accounts of Coughton parish since 1719 follow herewith (they are from the ledger of payments:)
1719: painting the King's arms and writing the Creed and Lord's Prayer and Ten Commandments appears several times for the next hundred years.
1719: gave a great bellied woman and 4 children 6d.
1733: to an Arabian man 1/6.
'Mending the clock' appears often, on two occasions by Richard Howton in 1722 and 1746 (he was of Oversley) and in 1822 by Mr. Irons (High St., Alcester).
Payments were regularly made for hedgehogs (2d. each), sparrows (2d. a dozen) and foxes' heads (1/- each). In 1734 97½ dozen sparrows were presented. What children did during summer holidays in rural parishes may be guessed at.
In 1721 there was an outlay on half pence pieces and in 1731 'Whit farthings' - other parishes around had this custom of throwing coins to children.
1729: 'gave to 30 men taken by the Turks' 6d.
1818: 'stove for use of church' £15.13.6.
1821: Repair of tower £105.7.3.
1745: 'The dinner at Easter' (but for whom is unstated).
1828: An entry of no financial concern - Edward Hill, clerk, dismissed for embezzling wine and neglecting to clean the church.'
1769: Gallery recently erected. by Mr. Boss.
1828: Inscription ordered: 'This gallery built and accommodation otherwise enlarged'. 'Ringing the bell for the King' (payment to clerk) and paying singers (occasion unstated) are also noted, as are books for the Coughton Sunday School.