Source 3E

Tithe

The Tithes have generally been taken in kind, and, odious as the system was, habit had rendered it tolerable. The farmer indeed lost the tenth part of his Crop, and was moreover exposed to annoyances in the harvesting of it – but that done there was an end of the question till the next year, and he had no further solicitude on the Subject. If the crop was abundant, the Parson carried off the larger quantity – if scanty, his proportion was reduced – not so, however, now – the Commutation is fixed – and alters slowly with every seventh year – the amount is to be paid with little annual variation, however unprofitable may be the season to the farmer – and is to be paid in money.

(William Day, from Carmarthen, to George Cornewall Lewis, 9 July 1843, Public Record Office, Home Office papers, 45/1611 [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] )