Poll Books
Poll Books were a consequence of a 1696 Act of Parliament which aimed to curb disputed election results. Sheriffs in each area were required to make a record of voters and who they voted for in county elections. Poll books were then published and were made available until secret ballots were introduced in 1872
. Poll books only listed people who actually voted and this was usually restricted to freeholders. The books usually listed addresses, sometime occupation and qualifications for voting.
In 1719 nine people voted and are included in the Poll Book. By 1741 this was just six but by 1775, following the Enclosures Act of 1770 there were 10 voters recorded.
The number rises to above 20 by 1832 and remains at roughly this level reflecting the level of property ownership.
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What's interesting is the pattern of key surnames that span the decades: Blankley, Wright(e), Rogers, George, Thorold, Rose and Mason.
Details of the names for each year of the Poll Books are included in the attached file here