With all the talk about how different countries approach COVID vaccination, it seems timely to remember that vaccination against smallpox was compulsory in England in the past Between 1853 – 1947, parents or guardians were obliged to have their children vaccinated against smallpox within the first few months of life. Failure to comply could lead to a fine or even imprisonment. The Holylands were amongst those who were sometimes slow to have their children vaccinated, and the Leicester Mercury lists at least 3 instances: 1877 – Thomas Holyland was fined 10 shillings (it is not clear which Thomas this was, there being several possible candidates!) 1884 – Alfred Holyland of Wharf St, Leicester, was fined 10 shillings with the threat (or option?) of 7 days imprisonment in lieu of the fine 1885 – Joseph Henry Holyland was summonsed and given one month in which to get his children vaccinated. Joseph and Alfred were brothers. Alfred’s first child was born in 1883, the year b
