Pew Rent Receipt

Pew Rent Receipt
Pew Rent Receipt

1800-1850 / Cardboard / Other / Print / Wesley's Chapel
Engraving on paper
1804 (1809?)

Pew rents were commonly charged to families or individuals in churches of most faiths until the mid 20th century. It was one of the principal ways of raising church income. The pew rent system often resulted in a kind of social status and hierarchy in church. The pews closest to the altar were usually occupied by the wealthiest of a parish.

This early receipt features an engraving of the Chapel soon after it was built, with its original round arch portico.