Some idea of the immense amount of additional work thrust upon the Borough Accountant’s Department,
by the payment of billets for the troops in the town, may be gained from the fact that during the past three
weeks no less than £11,000 has been paid to householders and others for billets. This represents only about
half the amount being circulated in Northampton every week by the presence of the troops in our midst.
The shopkeepers of the town who are reaping a golden harvest and in many cases doubling their turn over,
are hoping that our khaki visitors may remain here until our Tommies come marching again.
BILLETING TERMS FOR PRIVATE HOUSEHOLDERS – Aug 29, 1914 – A list with prices
Payment is made for accommodation for soldiers secured through the chief officers of the police.
Except in regard to public houses, where payment is made on a special scale, the terms of billeting are as follows :-
Lodging and attendance for soldier were meals furnished……………….9d. a night.
Breakfast, i.e. six ounces of bread, one pint of tea with milk and sugar, four ounces of bacon……7 and a half. d. each.
Dinner, hot, one pound of meat, previous to being dressed, eight ounces of bread, eight ounces
of potatoes, or other vegetables, one pint of beer or mineral water of equal value….1s. 7 and a half d. each.
Supper, six ounces of bread, one pint of tea with milk and sugar, two ounces of cheese…4 and a half d. each.
Where no meals furnished, lodging and attendance, and candles, vinegar, salt, and the use of fire, and
the necessary utensils for dressing and eating his meat…………9d. a day.
Stable room and 10lb. Of oats, 12lb. Of hay, and 8lb. Of straw per day for each horse…2s. 7 and a half d. a day.
Stable room without forage……….9d. a day.
Lodging and attendance for officer…..3s. a night.
An officer must pay for his food.
The special rates fixed for troops accommodated in buildings (other than dwelling houses) where
bed and attendance are not provided, and for horses where proper stabling is not provided are for
each officer or soldier and for each horse, 3d. a night.
