West Yorkshire, England, Militia, 1779-1826

The Militia Act of 1757 called for the creation of militia regiments from each county for local defense. Men between the ages of 18 and 45 were listed for service, but if a man was called into service, a substitute could be paid to serve in his stead.

This collection includes a variety of militia-related records, including township payments to the militia, lists of officers, and lists of eligible men. Details you may find will vary but can include a militiaman’s name, a date and location, occupation, age range, number of children, any infirmities, and signature.

In some records you’ll see exemptions for “effective volunteers” (those already serving in another capacity as a volunteer), poor men with children, clergy, teachers, apprentices, constables, peace officers, those who hired substitutes, and those who were infirm, among others.

Records come from the following municipalities:

• Bingley and Howarth
• Thurstonland
• Todmorden
• Halifax
• Sandal Magna