Diocese of York

Whilst not a record creating body in itself, the Diocesan Office has long been the administrative hub of the Diocese of York. Today, the Diocesan Office oversees all administrative matters (boards, councils & committees etc) relating to church government, property, finance, investment and communication throughout the diocese.

From the guide to the York Diocesan Archive: Diocesan Office, 1863-[ongoing], (Borthwick Institute, University of York)

The structure of diocesan organisation in the English Church, including the growth and development of territorial archdeaconries, developed in the period after the Norman Conquest and persisted throughout the middle ages and beyond. The structure was never uniform: some small dioceses (e.g., Canterbury, Rochester, Ely and Carlisle) had only one archdeaconry, whereas Lincoln had eight archdeaconries from the twelfth century and York had five in the middle ages.

Whereas on the Continent there was regular rivalry between a bishop and his archdeacon, the characteristic function of the archdeacon in England was that of assistance in the administration of the bishop's see. Often referred to as the 'oculus episcopi' (the bishop's eye), the archdeacon executed the day-to-day orders of the bishop in such tasks as the induction of new incumbents and the general oversight of churches, clergy and laity. In course of time, most acquired rights of visitation and correction, and some even held a probate court, although the extent to which the powers of the archdeacon were brought to bear varied considerably with the personality of the individual who held the office and the changing nature of the Church.

The archdeaconry of Cleveland was the smallest in the York Diocese, containing three rural deaneries (Bulmer, Cleveland and Ryedale), the latter two of which corresponded with the wapentakes in the diocese.

From the guide to the York Diocesan Archive: Records of the Archdeaconry of Cleveland, 1602-[ongoing], (Borthwick Institute (York))

A grouping together of appeals and funds of the Diocese of York that are no longer operational.

From the guide to the York Diocesan Archive: Appeals & funds no longer operational, 1914-c1989, (Borthwick Institute, University of York)

The diocese of York is currently divided into the archdeaconries of York, Cleveland and the East Riding. Rural deaneries were given official status with the setting up of the Church Assembly, Diocesan Conference and Parochial Church Council after World War One. The Ruridecanal Conference (later the Deanery Synod) became a local district council of clergy and laity. The rural dean, whose appointment is in the hands of the Bishop of York and the relevant archdeacon, has the especial care and inspection of the clergy within the archdeaconry, together with several other responsibilities with respect of synodical government. Deanery boundaries undergo frequent changes, and, currently, Northallerton does not exist as a rural deanery.

A number of ruridecanal record collections have been deposited. Principally these consist of minutes of chapter meetings and ruridecanal conferences, but on occasion there are other matters of considerable interest. These include several series of parish newsletters, pamphlets relating to specific issues (such as the debate over the Hydrogen Bomb in the 1950s, or calls for personal rededication in an increasingly secular age), questionnaire returns, lists of clergy and wardens, and discussion regarding such disparate matters as deanery boundaries, church schools and military encroachment on parish lands (with related correspondence).

From the guide to the Diocese of York: Records of the Rural Deanery of Northallerton, 1979-1991, (Borthwick Institute (York))

The Province of York is the administrative area under the jurisdiction of the Archbishop of York and consists of 14 dioceses. The medieval province of York included the dioceses of York, Durham and Carlisle within its borders. The archbishop's claim to possess metropolitan jurisdiction over the Scottish sees was acknowledged only the by the bishops of Whithorn (until 1355) and authority over the bishopric of the Isles (Sodor and Man) was similarly disputed in the early middle ages between the York primate and the Norwegian archbishop of Nidaros (Trondheim). In 1542 the diocese of Sodor and Man was included within the boundaries of the northern province by act of parliament. In the previous year, the bishopric of Chester had been established, uniting the archdeaconries of Richmond (see of York) and Chester (see of Coventry and Lichfield). For the space of a few months the new bishopric was assigned to the province of Canterbury. There were to be no further diocesan changes for three centuries.

In 1836 the bishopric of Ripon was formed (Ripon & Leeds from 1999), followed by further foundations: Manchester 1847, Liverpool 1880, Newcastle 1882, Wakefield 1888, Sheffield 1914, Bradford 1919 and Blackburn 1926. The bishopric of Southwell was a special case. In 1837 the archdeaconry of Nottingham, which until then had formed part of the York diocese, was transferred to the diocese of Lincoln and hence to the southern province. In 1884 the counties of Nottingham and Derby were joined to form the new bishopric of Southwell. The diocese of Derby was created in 1927, removing Derbyshire from Southwell's jurisdiction, and eight years later Southwell was transferred, or rather restored, to the northern province.

From the guide to the York Diocesan Archive: Records of Provincial Administration, 1545 - [ongoing], (Borthwick Institute, University of York)

The range of ecclesiastical courts was elaborate. From at least the mid-twelfth century those in England and Wales operated at four levels of increasing seniority: archidiaconal, diocesan, provincial and papal, presided over respectively by an archdeacon, bishop, archbishop and pope. First, this meant that cases requiring local input or a swift response could be dealt with easily and cheaply by the lower courts; and second, it allowed appeals to be made to a succession of higher courts. The final appeal was, until 1533, to the Papal Curia, after which time Henry VIII ordered that the final appellate in England and Wales be the Curia Regis, or King's Court. This structure was altered once more when Philip and Mary reintroduced Catholicism in 1553, and changed again by Elizabeth I's Act of Supremacy (1559) which lasted until the twentieth century. It is estimated that between 1300 and 1800 up to nine million cases, involving up to ten per cent of the adult population, were heard in the ecclesiastical courts. As Geoffrey Elton wrote in 1969, the court books, although voluminous and complex, illuminate the history of church and people in ways that few other sources can. The following biography provides a brief outline of the York ecclesiastical courts. (Note that the Dean and Chapter Court was a peculiar, and as such is entered under separate reference GB 0193 D/C.)

From Elizabethan times, there were two diocesan courts at York: the Consistory and the Exchequer. The Consistory Court, which normally sat in the diocesan cathedral building, heard suits between parties and thus had the greatest amount of business. Appeals came from the archdeaconries of the diocese and the consistories of the bishops of the Northern Province (Chester, Durham, Carlisle and Sodor and Man). The Exchequer Court was concerned with purely testamentary matters, exercising primary jurisdiction over the property of persons who had died intestate in the York diocese, or (occasionally) the property of unbeneficed clergy. Although only a few pre-Commonwealth court books are extant, they provide ample evidence of a sound administrative system. Indeed, the growing wealth of the population and consequent increase of ecclesiastical business led to the formation of the Prerogative Court in 1577, which dealt with bona notabilia and other testamentary matters. Both the Exchequer and Prerogative Courts existed concurrently until the 1850s, when the Ecclesiastical Courts Act (1855) effectively curtailed their jurisdiction.

The Court of Chancery, or Audience, was where the archbishop (or an auditor on his behalf) personally heard complaint cases. As the ‘maid-of-all-work', Chancery dispensed civil, criminal and administrative justice in the diocese. It performed administrative functions such as supervising institutions to benefices, issuing licences and faculties, and proving wills and granting administrations of estates of deceased clergymen beneficed in the diocese. During the time of the Northern High Commission (see below), the court's disciplinary powers were overshadowed. Whereas the Court of Audience in the province of Canterbury was merged with the Consistory Court of St Paul's in 1668, independent business in York was jealously guarded until well into the eighteenth century.

The Northern High Commission, established by royal letters patent in 1561 under the presidency of the archbishop, was the second most important conciliar court in the north until the collapse of royal government in 1641. Unlike the principal body, the Council of the North, the northern commission records have survived almost intact for this period, thus giving the fullest account of any ecclesiastical conciliar court. They reveal the conservative nature of Tudor kingship as first Elizabeth and then the early Stuart kings attempted to shore up the system of traditional church courts by the enforcement of religious uniformity, rooting out heresy in whichever form the monarch of the day chose to define it. As one of the longest of the long arms of church law, it not only used secular sanctions to enforce its decisions, but could pursue a delinquent from one ecclesiastical jurisdiction to another, thus circumventing the previous cumbersome process of citation and request for assistance.

The Admiralty Court of York is in many ways the most obscure of the ecclesiastical courts. Not enough internal evidence exists to indicate either the reasons for the existence of such a court, or the administrative position of the Archbishop himself. The records appear to have survived amongst diocesan administration because archiepiscopal and admiralty courts administered civil law, and because several generations of ecclesiastical lawyers presided over and practised in the Admiralty courts. The records themselves comprise general court and maritime business, ownership of vessels, domestic shipping and overseas trade.

From the guide to the York Diocesan Archive: Records of the Archbishop: Ecclesiastical Courts, 1300-[ongoing], (Borthwick Institute (York))

This sub sub fonds is a grouping together of records from the Diocesan Registry relating to church land & property

From the guide to the York Diocesan Archive: Diocesan Registry: Church Land & Property, 1555-[ongoing], (Repository Unknown)

The structure of diocesan organisation in the English Church, including the growth and development of territorial archdeaconries, developed in the period after the Norman Conquest and persisted throughout the middle ages and beyond. The structure was never uniform: some small dioceses (e.g., Canterbury, Rochester, Ely and Carlisle) had only one archdeaconry, whereas Lincoln had eight archdeaconries from the twelfth century and York had five in the middle ages.

Whereas on the Continent there was regular rivalry between a bishop and his archdeacon, the characteristic function of the archdeacon in England was that of assistance in the administration of the bishop's see. Often referred to as the 'oculus episcopi' (the bishop's eye), the archdeacon executed the day-to-day orders of the bishop in such tasks as the induction of new incumbents and the general oversight of churches, clergy and laity. In course of time, most acquired rights of visitation and correction, and some even held a probate court, although the extent to which the powers of the archdeacon were brought to bear varied considerably with the personality of the individual who held the office and the changing nature of the Church.

The archdeaconry of the East Riding comprised four rural deaneries: Buckrose, Dickering, Harthill and Holderness (the latter of which included the city of Kingston upon Hull). As its name suggests, these corresponded with the wapentakes of the East Riding, with the exception of part of Dickering, which belonged to the Cleveland archdeaconry until 1896.

From the guide to the York Diocesan Archive: Records of the Archdeaconry of the East Riding, 1632-[ongoing], (Borthwick Institute (York))

This sub sub fonds is a grouping together of records from the Diocesan Registry relating to consecration & licensing

From the guide to the York Diocesan Archive: Diocesan Registry: Consecration & Licensing, 1635-[ongoing], (Borthwick Institute, York University)

Social Responsibility Council (1973-present), formerly the Yorkshire Union of Ladies' Associations for the Care of Girls (1889-1911), the York Association for Preventative and Rescue Work, (1911-1936), the Diocesan Association for Moral Welfare (1936-1964), and the Diocesan Association for Family Welfare (1964-1973).

The Yorkshire Union of Ladies' Associations for the Care of Girls was formed in 1889, including in its work supporting refuges, shelters and rescue homes and maintaining lodging homes for "Young Girls of Good Character and the Fallen". In 1911 this was superseded by the York Association for Preventative and Rescue Work, with the Archbishop of York as president and run by a diocesan secretary and an honorary treasurer, which listed its principle aims as co-ordinating existing agencies for "preventative, rescue and penitentiary work" within the diocese, and founding and maintaining diocesan institutions for these purposes. In conjunction with this association, the York Diocesan Maternity Home was opened at Linnaeus House on 2 February 1915. The association also supported shelters in Hull, York, Malton, Middlesborough, Pontefract and Scarborough and workers at Redcar, Bridlington and Whitby. By the 1920's eight branches of the association, each with a moral welfare worker, had been established, including the York Sheltering Home at Bootham Terrace, Clifton Home, a two-year rescue training home and the Hull Sheltering Home.

In 1936 the organisation became the Diocesan Association for Moral Welfare with the stated aim to "promote moral welfare work in the diocese of York". Heworth Moor House, a second mother and baby home described as a branch of the association was opened in 1947. In 1963 an education worker was employed for the first time and from 1964 the organisation was known as the Diocesan Association for Family Welfare, still with two mother and baby homes, and now with only 5 branches, each with an attached worker. The name changed to the Council for Social Responsibility in 1973.

Today, the Council does not run hostels but works closely with many different sections of the community in order to better understand the needs of society, to address social exclusion and social injustice and to ensure that the church is accessible to all sections of the community.

From the guide to the Social Responsibility Council, 1906 - [ongoing], (Borthwick Institute, University of York)

The diocese of York is currently divided into the archdeaconries of York, Cleveland and the East Riding. Rural deaneries were given official status with the setting up of the Church Assembly, Diocesan Conference and Parochial Church Council after World War One. The Ruridecanal Conference (later the Deanery Synod) became a local district council of clergy and laity. The rural dean, whose appointment is in the hands of the Bishop of York and the relevant archdeacon, has the especial care and inspection of the clergy within the archdeaconry, together with several other responsibilities with respect of synodical government. Deanery boundaries undergo frequent changes, and, currently, Malton does not exist as a rural deanery.

A number of ruridecanal record collections have been deposited. Principally these consist of minutes of chapter meetings and ruridecanal conferences, but on occasion there are other matters of considerable interest. These include several series of parish newsletters, pamphlets relating to specific issues (such as the debate over the Hydrogen Bomb in the 1950s, or calls for personal rededication in an increasingly secular age), questionnaire returns, lists of clergy and wardens, and discussion regarding such disparate matters as deanery boundaries, church schools and military encroachment on parish lands (with related correspondence).

From the guide to the Diocese of York: Records of the Rural Deanery of Malton, 1936-1988, (Borthwick Institute (York))

The diocese of York is currently divided into the archdeaconries of York, Cleveland and the East Riding. Harthill is in the East Riding. Rural deaneries were given official status with the setting up of the Church Assembly, Diocesan Conference and Parochial Church Council after World War One. The Ruridecanal Conference (later the Deanery Synod) became a local district council of clergy and laity. The rural dean, whose appointment is in the hands of the Bishop of York and the relevant archdeacon, has the especial care and inspection of the clergy within the archdeaconry, together with several other responsibilities with respect of synodical government.

A number of ruridecanal record collections have been deposited. Principally these consist of minutes of chapter meetings and ruridecanal conferences, but on occasion there are other matters of considerable interest. These include several series of parish newsletters, pamphlets relating to specific issues (such as the debate over the Hydrogen Bomb in the 1950s, or calls for personal rededication in an increasingly secular age), questionnaire returns, lists of clergy and wardens, and discussion regarding such disparate matters as deanery boundaries, church schools and military encroachment on parish lands (with related correspondence).

From the guide to the Diocese of York: Records of the Rural Deanery of Harthill, 1921-[ongoing], (Borthwick Institute (York))

The structure of diocesan organisation in the English Church, including the growth and development of territorial archdeaconries, developed in the period after the Norman Conquest and persisted throughout the middle ages and beyond. The structure was never uniform: some small dioceses (e.g., Canterbury, Rochester, Ely and Carlisle) had only one archdeaconry, whereas Lincoln had eight archdeaconries from the twelfth century and York had five in the middle ages.

Whereas on the Continent there was regular rivalry between a bishop and his archdeacon, the characteristic function of the archdeacon in England was that of assistance in the administration of the bishop's see. Often referred to as the 'oculus episcopi' (the bishop's eye), the archdeacon executed the day-to-day orders of the bishop in such tasks as the induction of new incumbents and the general oversight of churches, clergy and laity. In course of time, most acquired rights of visitation and correction, and some even held a probate court, although the extent to which the powers of the archdeacon were brought to bear varied considerably with the personality of the individual who held the office and the changing nature of the Church.

The archdeaconry of Sheffield was carved out of the old York archdeaconry in 1884. With the creation of the bishopric of Sheffield in 1914, the archdeaconry was removed from the diocese of York, but Mr H.A. Hudson, the York diocesan registrar, retained his office as registrar of the Sheffield archdeaconry.

From the guide to the York Diocesan Archive: Records of the Archdeaconry of Sheffield, 1886-1932, (Borthwick Institute (York))

A grouping together of commissions of the Diocese of York that are no longer operational.

From the guide to the York Diocesan Archive: Commissions no longer operational, 1936-1977, (Borthwick Institute, University of York)

The archives from Bishopthorpe Palace, official residence of the archbishops of York since the thirteenth century, were deposited by Archbishop Garbett in 1955. Subsequent deposits have also been made. The archives, which date from the 1500s but are concentrated on the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, centre upon the correspondence and papers of the archbishops. There appears to be no particular reason why examples of certain categories of records (e.g. visitation returns, schoolmasters' nominations or colonial clergy correspondence) were kept at Bishopthorpe, since similar material is to be found among the regular diocesan records. Consequently, several series of documents have since been amalgamated into existed archives.

The arrival of large amounts of material related largely to the second half of the twentieth century posed considerable problems of accrual. The amount and range of material generated had increased greatly, and tended to be filed by subject matter rather than by individual archbishop, and consequently several new series were created. However, it must be recognised that there is substantial overlap between these and other records of provincial and diocesan administration. The records described here should therefore be checked against the Borthwick Institute finding aids for the latest information.

For other miscellaneous personal papers of the archbishops, see GB 193 ABP.

From the guide to the York Diocesan Archive: Bishopthorpe Palace Papers, 16th century-[ongoing], (Borthwick Institute (York))

The School Sites Act of 1841 and subsequent legislation in the 19th century made provision for the conveyance and endowment of sites for schools.

From the guide to the York Diocesan Archive: Diocesan Registry: Schools, 1869-1920, (Borthwick Institute, University of York)

The structure of diocesan organisation in the English Church, including the growth and development of territorial archdeaconries, developed in the period after the Norman Conquest and persisted throughout the middle ages and beyond. The structure was never uniform: some small dioceses (e.g., Canterbury, Rochester, Ely and Carlisle) had only one archdeaconry, whereas Lincoln had eight archdeaconries from the twelfth century and York had five in the middle ages.

Whereas on the Continent there was regular rivalry between a bishop and his archdeacon, the characteristic function of the archdeacon in England was that of assistance in the administration of the bishop's see. Often referred to as the 'oculus episcopi' (the bishop's eye), the archdeacon executed the day-to-day orders of the bishop in such tasks as the induction of new incumbents and the general oversight of churches, clergy and laity. In course of time, most acquired rights of visitation and correction, and some even held a probate court, although the extent to which the powers of the archdeacon were brought to bear varied considerably with the personality of the individual who held the office and the changing nature of the Church.

Of the five archdeaconries into which the Diocese of York was divided, the archdeaconry of York was the largest. It included the city of York and almost all of the West Riding.

From the guide to the York Diocesan Archive: Records of the Archdeaconry of York, 1598-[ongoing], (Borthwick Institute (York))

The diocese of York is currently divided into the archdeaconries of York, Cleveland and the East Riding. Rural deaneries were given official status with the setting up of the Church Assembly, Diocesan Conference and Parochial Church Council after World War One. The Ruridecanal Conference (later the Deanery Synod) became a local district council of clergy and laity. The rural dean, whose appointment is in the hands of the Bishop of York and the relevant archdeacon, has the especial care and inspection of the clergy within the archdeaconry, together with several other responsibilities with respect of synodical government.

A number of ruridecanal record collections have been deposited. Principally these consist of minutes of chapter meetings and ruridecanal conferences, but on occasion there are other matters of considerable interest. These include several series of parish newsletters, pamphlets relating to specific issues (such as the debate over the Hydrogen Bomb in the 1950s, or calls for personal rededication in an increasingly secular age), questionnaire returns, lists of clergy and wardens, and discussion regarding such disparate matters as deanery boundaries, church schools and military encroachment on parish lands (with related correspondence).

From the guide to the Diocese of York: Records of the Rural Deanery of York City, 1937-[ongoing], (Borthwick Institute (York))

The diocese of York is currently divided into the archdeaconries of York, Cleveland and the East Riding. North Holderness is in the East Riding. Rural deaneries were given official status with the setting up of the Church Assembly, Diocesan Conference and Parochial Church Council after World War One. The Ruridecanal Conference (later the Deanery Synod) became a local district council of clergy and laity. The rural dean, whose appointment is in the hands of the Bishop of York and the relevant archdeacon, has the especial care and inspection of the clergy within the archdeaconry, together with several other responsibilities with respect of synodical government.

A number of ruridecanal record collections have been deposited. Principally these consist of minutes of chapter meetings and ruridecanal conferences, but on occasion there are other matters of considerable interest. These include several series of parish newsletters, pamphlets relating to specific issues (such as the debate over the Hydrogen Bomb in the 1950s, or calls for personal rededication in an increasingly secular age), questionnaire returns, lists of clergy and wardens, and discussion regarding such disparate matters as deanery boundaries, church schools and military encroachment on parish lands (with related correspondence).

From the guide to the Diocese of York: Records of the Rural Deanery of North Holderness, 1952-[ongoing], (Borthwick Institute (York))

A peculiar is an area exempt from the direct jurisdiction of an archdeacon or bishop within the Church. It can be personal, territorial or a combination of the two. The judicial role of a peculiar is exercised either by the Crown, another diocesan bishop, a prebend, Chapters of a cathedral or collegiate, individual Chapter members, the incumbent of a parish, a corporate body such as a university, or the lord of a manor.

Knowledge of the existence of peculiar jurisdictions dates from the twelfth century when episcopal and parochial boundaries were being established, and English bishops, inspired by reforming decrees emanating from Rome, were attempting to exert their authority throughout their dioceses. In doing so, they met considerable resistance from bishops of other dioceses, heads of religious houses and even laity, all of whom owned estates in the diocese and thus claimed some measure of spiritual authority over their tenants and parishioners. Unsurprisingly, bishops who resented relinquishing control in their own dioceses were often happy to claim jurisdiction over estates in others.

The Reformation led to the demise of many peculiars, but several remained in every diocese until the mid-nineteenth century when almost all were merged with normal parishes or became such in their own right. Few now remain, and the status of those that do has in many cases been challenged.

From the guide to the York Diocesan Archive: Peculiar Jurisdictions of the Prebendaries of York Minster, 1417-1812, (Bothwick Institute (York))

The Borthwick Institute's collection of probate records is the largest in England outside London. The records span the period from the 13th century until January 1858, when the business of granting probate was removed from the Church of England to a new civil probate court. The only exception to this is a brief interval from 1653 to 1660, when all responsibility for probate matters passed to a central court in London, established by Cromwell's government. (All probates for this period are in The National Archives in London, although an index to Yorkshire wills is kept in the Borthwick Institute searchroom.) For post-1858 wills, see GB 193 YDPR.

The vast majority of business was conducted by the bishops’ courts, each bishop enjoying probate jurisdiction within his diocese. The Exchequer court dealt with laymen and unbeneficed clergy with goods solely in the diocese of York, whilst the Chancery court exercised jurisdiction over the goods of beneficed clergy in the diocese. As the highest probate court in the northern province, the Prerogative court granted probate for persons either with goods in more than one jurisdiction in the diocese, or in more than one diocese in the northern province, or in both northern and southern provinces. When a testator had bona notabilia in both provinces, the Prerogative Court of Canterbury commonly took precedence over York (the probates for these are similarly kept in The National Archives). During vacancies of the see, archiepiscopal jurisdiction lay with the dean and chapter of York. The right to grant probate also lay with the many peculiar jurisdictions scattered throughout the diocese.

The main probate records are the wills, in the form of originals and registered copies, and administrations (where a person died without leaving a will), in the form of original administration bonds and entries in the probate act books. Other supplementary documents, such as tuitions and inventories of the goods of the deceased, are also extant. Although there were several courts in which a will could be proved, the types of documents produced were essentially the same regardless of which court was responsible.

From the guide to the York Diocesan Archive: Probate Records, 1267-1858, (Borthwick Institute (York))

A peculiar is an area exempt from the direct jurisdiction of an archdeacon or bishop within the Church. It can be personal, territorial or a combination of the two. The judicial role of a peculiar is exercised either by the Crown, another diocesan bishop, a prebend, Chapters of a cathedral or collegiate, individual Chapter members, the incumbent of a parish, a corporate body such as a university, or the lord of a manor.

Knowledge of the existence of peculiar jurisdictions dates from the twelfth century when episcopal and parochial boundaries were being established, and English bishops, inspired by reforming decrees emanating from Rome, were attempting to exert their authority throughout their dioceses. In doing so, they met considerable resistance from bishops of other dioceses, heads of religious houses and even laity, all of whom owned estates in the diocese and thus claimed some measure of spiritual authority over their tenants and parishioners. Unsurprisingly, bishops who resented relinquishing control in their own dioceses were often happy to claim jurisdiction over estates in others.

The Reformation led to the demise of many peculiars, but several remained in every diocese until the mid-nineteenth century when almost all were merged with normal parishes or became such in their own right. Few now remain, and the status of those that do has in many cases been challenged.

From the guide to the York Diocesan Archive: Other Peculiar Jurisdictions, Early 16th century - 19th century, (Borthwick Institute (York))

A peculiar is an area exempt from the direct jurisdiction of an archdeacon or bishop within the Church. It can be personal, territorial or a combination of the two. The judicial role of a peculiar is exercised either by the Crown, another diocesan bishop, a prebend, Chapters of a cathedral or collegiate, individual Chapter members, the incumbent of a parish, a corporate body such as a university, or the lord of a manor.

Knowledge of the existence of peculiar jurisdictions dates from the twelfth century when episcopal and parochial boundaries were being established, and English bishops, inspired by reforming decrees emanating from Rome, were attempting to exert their authority throughout their dioceses. In doing so, they met considerable resistance from bishops of other dioceses, heads of religious houses and even laity, all of whom owned estates in the diocese and thus claimed some measure of spiritual authority over their tenants and parishioners. Unsurprisingly, bishops who resented relinquishing control in their own dioceses were often happy to claim jurisdiction over estates in others.

The jurisdiction of the Dean and Chapter of York was very extensive, comprising several parishes and townships within the counties of Yorkshire, Nottingham and Lancashire, and in the city of York itself. The Borthwick Institute collection comprises those items which were left in the diocesan registry when the capitular records were moved elsewhere, plus the parish register transcripts and marriage bonds which were transferred from the York Minster Library.

The Reformation led to the demise of many peculiars, but several remained in every diocese until the mid-nineteenth century when almost all were merged with normal parishes or became such in their own right. Few now remain, and the status of those that do has in many cases been challenged.

From the guide to the York Diocesan Archive: Peculiar Jurisdictions of the Dean and Chapter of York, 14th century - 20th century, (Borthwick Institute (York))

The diocese of York is currently divided into the archdeaconries of York, Cleveland and the East Riding. Ainsty, or New Ainsty as it is now known, is in York. Rural deaneries were given official status with the setting up of the Church Assembly, Diocesan Conference and Parochial Church Council after World War One. The Ruridecanal Conference (later the Deanery Synod) became a local district council of clergy and laity. The rural dean, whose appointment is in the hands of the Bishop of York and the relevant archdeacon, has the especial care and inspection of the clergy within the archdeaconry, together with several other responsibilities with respect of synodical government.

A number of ruridecanal record collections have been deposited. Principally these consist of minutes of chapter meetings and ruridecanal conferences, but on occasion there are other matters of considerable interest. These include several series of parish newsletters, pamphlets relating to specific issues (such as the debate over the Hydrogen Bomb in the 1950s, or calls for personal rededication in an increasingly secular age), questionnaire returns, lists of clergy and wardens, and discussion regarding such disparate matters as deanery boundaries, church schools and military encroachment on parish lands (with related correspondence).

From the guide to the Diocese of York: Records of the Rural Deanery of Ainsty, 1845-[ongoing], (Borthwick Institute (York))

The diocese of York is currently divided into the archdeaconries of York, Cleveland and the East Riding. Rural deaneries were given official status with the setting up of the Church Assembly, Diocesan Conference and Parochial Church Council after World War One. The Ruridecanal Conference (later the Deanery Synod) became a local district council of clergy and laity. The rural dean, whose appointment is in the hands of the Bishop of York and the relevant archdeacon, has the especial care and inspection of the clergy within the archdeaconry, together with several other responsibilities with respect of synodical government. Deanery boundaries undergo frequent changes, and, currently, Thirsk does not exist as a rural deanery.

A number of ruridecanal record collections have been deposited. Principally these consist of minutes of chapter meetings and ruridecanal conferences, but on occasion there are other matters of considerable interest. These include several series of parish newsletters, pamphlets relating to specific issues (such as the debate over the Hydrogen Bomb in the 1950s, or calls for personal rededication in an increasingly secular age), questionnaire returns, lists of clergy and wardens, and discussion regarding such disparate matters as deanery boundaries, church schools and military encroachment on parish lands (with related correspondence).

From the guide to the Diocese of York: Records of the Rural Deanery of Thirsk, 1913-1991, (Borthwick Institute (York))

These are a miscellaneous collection of documents connected directly with the Archbishop of York. There is considerable overlap between these and the personal papers of the archbishops in the Bishopthorpe series (see GB 193 BP.C&P and GB 193 BP 1).

From the guide to the Personal Records of the Archbishop, 1467-1929, (Borthwick Institute (York))

The diocese of York is currently divided into the archdeaconries of York, Cleveland and the East Riding. Beverley is in the East Riding. Rural deaneries were given official status with the setting up of the Church Assembly, Diocesan Conference and Parochial Church Council after World War One. The Ruridecanal Conference (later the Deanery Synod) became a local district council of clergy and laity. The rural dean, whose appointment is in the hands of the Bishop of York and the relevant archdeacon, has the especial care and inspection of the clergy within the archdeaconry, together with several other responsibilities with respect of synodical government.

A number of ruridecanal record collections have been deposited. Principally these consist of minutes of chapter meetings and ruridecanal conferences, but on occasion there are other matters of considerable interest. These include several series of parish newsletters, pamphlets relating to specific issues (such as the debate over the Hydrogen Bomb in the 1950s, or calls for personal rededication in an increasingly secular age), questionnaire returns, lists of clergy and wardens, and discussion regarding such disparate matters as deanery boundaries, church schools and military encroachment on parish lands (with related correspondence).

From the guide to the Diocese of York: Records of the Rural Deanery of Beverley, 1924-[ongoing], (Borthwick Institute (York))

The diocese of York is currently divided into the archdeaconries of York, Cleveland and the East Riding. Helmsley is in Cleveland. Rural deaneries were given official status with the setting up of the Church Assembly, Diocesan Conference and Parochial Church Council after World War One. The Ruridecanal Conference (later the Deanery Synod) became a local district council of clergy and laity. The rural dean, whose appointment is in the hands of the Bishop of York and the relevant archdeacon, has the especial care and inspection of the clergy within the archdeaconry, together with several other responsibilities with respect of synodical government.

A number of ruridecanal record collections have been deposited. Principally these consist of minutes of chapter meetings and ruridecanal conferences, but on occasion there are other matters of considerable interest. These include several series of parish newsletters, pamphlets relating to specific issues (such as the debate over the Hydrogen Bomb in the 1950s, or calls for personal rededication in an increasingly secular age), questionnaire returns, lists of clergy and wardens, and discussion regarding such disparate matters as deanery boundaries, church schools and military encroachment on parish lands (with related correspondence).

From the guide to the Diocese of York: Records of the Rural Deanery of Helmsley, 1870-[ongoing], (Borthwick Institute (York))

The diocese of York is currently divided into the archdeaconries of York, Cleveland and the East Riding. South Holderness is in the East Riding. Rural deaneries were given official status with the setting up of the Church Assembly, Diocesan Conference and Parochial Church Council after World War One. The Ruridecanal Conference (later the Deanery Synod) became a local district council of clergy and laity. The rural dean, whose appointment is in the hands of the Bishop of York and the relevant archdeacon, has the especial care and inspection of the clergy within the archdeaconry, together with several other responsibilities with respect of synodical government.

A number of ruridecanal record collections have been deposited. Principally these consist of minutes of chapter meetings and ruridecanal conferences, but on occasion there are other matters of considerable interest. These include several series of parish newsletters, pamphlets relating to specific issues (such as the debate over the Hydrogen Bomb in the 1950s, or calls for personal rededication in an increasingly secular age), questionnaire returns, lists of clergy and wardens, and discussion regarding such disparate matters as deanery boundaries, church schools and military encroachment on parish lands (with related correspondence).

From the guide to the Diocese of York: Records of the Rural Deanery of South Holderness, 1892-[ongoing], (Borthwick Institute (York))

The diocese of York is currently divided into the archdeaconries of York, Cleveland and the East Riding. Hull is in the East Riding. Rural deaneries were given official status with the setting up of the Church Assembly, Diocesan Conference and Parochial Church Council after World War One. The Ruridecanal Conference (later the Deanery Synod) became a local district council of clergy and laity. The rural dean, whose appointment is in the hands of the Bishop of York and the relevant archdeacon, has the especial care and inspection of the clergy within the archdeaconry, together with several other responsibilities with respect of synodical government.

A number of ruridecanal record collections have been deposited. Principally these consist of minutes of chapter meetings and ruridecanal conferences, but on occasion there are other matters of considerable interest. These include several series of parish newsletters, pamphlets relating to specific issues (such as the debate over the Hydrogen Bomb in the 1950s, or calls for personal rededication in an increasingly secular age), questionnaire returns, lists of clergy and wardens, and discussion regarding such disparate matters as deanery boundaries, church schools and military encroachment on parish lands (with related correspondence).

From the guide to the Diocese of York: Records of the Rural Deanery of Hull, 1868-[ongoing], (Borthwick Institute (York))

The diocese of York is currently divided into the archdeaconries of York, Cleveland and the East Riding. Rural deaneries were given official status with the setting up of the Church Assembly, Diocesan Conference and Parochial Church Council after World War One. The Ruridecanal Conference (later the Deanery Synod) became a local district council of clergy and laity. The rural dean, whose appointment is in the hands of the Bishop of York and the relevant archdeacon, has the especial care and inspection of the clergy within the archdeaconry, together with several other responsibilities with respect of synodical government. Deanery boundaries undergo frequent changes, and, currently, Pocklington does not exist as a rural deanery.

A number of ruridecanal record collections have been deposited. Principally these consist of minutes of chapter meetings and ruridecanal conferences, but on occasion there are other matters of considerable interest. These include several series of parish newsletters, pamphlets relating to specific issues (such as the debate over the Hydrogen Bomb in the 1950s, or calls for personal rededication in an increasingly secular age), questionnaire returns, lists of clergy and wardens, and discussion regarding such disparate matters as deanery boundaries, church schools and military encroachment on parish lands (with related correspondence).

From the guide to the Diocese of York: Records of the Rural Deanery of Pocklington, 1873-1985, (Borthwick Institute (York))

The diocese of York is currently divided into the archdeaconries of York, Cleveland and the East Riding. Pickering is in Cleveland and was formed in 1928, taking parishes from the deaneries of Helmsley and Malton. Several boundaries changes have taken place since then.

Rural deaneries were given official status with the setting up of the Church Assembly, Diocesan Conference and Parochial Church Council after World War One. The Ruridecanal Conference (later the Deanery Synod) became a local district council of clergy and laity. The rural dean, whose appointment is in the hands of the Bishop of York and the relevant archdeacon, has the especial care and inspection of the clergy within the archdeaconry, together with several other responsibilities with respect of synodical government.

A number of ruridecanal record collections have been deposited. Principally these consist of minutes of chapter meetings and ruridecanal conferences, but on occasion there are other matters of considerable interest. These include several series of parish newsletters, pamphlets relating to specific issues (such as the debate over the Hydrogen Bomb in the 1950s, or calls for personal rededication in an increasingly secular age), questionnaire returns, lists of clergy and wardens, and discussion regarding such disparate matters as deanery boundaries, church schools and military encroachment on parish lands (with related correspondence).

From the guide to the Diocese of York: Records of the Rural Deanery of Pickering, 1925-[ongoing], (Borthwick Institute (York))

A grouping together of councils & committees of the Diocese of York that are no longer operational.

From the guide to the York Diocesan Archive: Councils & committees no longer operational, 1843-1978, (Borthwick Institute, University of York)

The diocese of York is currently divided into the archdeaconries of York, Cleveland and the East Riding. Guisborough is in Cleveland. Rural deaneries were given official status with the setting up of the Church Assembly, Diocesan Conference and Parochial Church Council after World War One. The Ruridecanal Conference (later the Deanery Synod) became a local district council of clergy and laity. The rural dean, whose appointment is in the hands of the Bishop of York and the relevant archdeacon, has the especial care and inspection of the clergy within the archdeaconry, together with several other responsibilities with respect of synodical government.

A number of ruridecanal record collections have been deposited. Principally these consist of minutes of chapter meetings and ruridecanal conferences, but on occasion there are other matters of considerable interest. These include several series of parish newsletters, pamphlets relating to specific issues (such as the debate over the Hydrogen Bomb in the 1950s, or calls for personal rededication in an increasingly secular age), questionnaire returns, lists of clergy and wardens, and discussion regarding such disparate matters as deanery boundaries, church schools and military encroachment on parish lands (with related correspondence).

From the guide to the Diocese of York: Records of the Rural Deanery of Guisborough, 1980-[ongoing], (Borthwick Institute (York))

The York Diocesan Advisory Committee on Faculties was established in 1920 by the Archbishop. Its purpose was to consider and advise the Diocesan Chancellor on applications, plans and designs for structural additions or alterations to church buildings, ornaments and fittings. The name for the committee was changed to the Diocesan Advisory Committee for the Care of Churches in 1947 (DAC). The Faculty Jurisdiction Measures of 1938 and 1964 and the Care of Churches and Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Measure 1991, extended the remit of the DAC.

The DAC's present day responsibilities ensure that churches, churchyards and furnishings attached to them are properly cared for both for everyday use and for historical interest, as well as advising all parties on care, maintenance and alteration. The DAC also administers the diocese's responsibilities under the Inspection of Churches Measure 1955 (taking over this responsibility from the Diocesan Inspection of Churches Committee which closed in 1972). As a result of these inspections, a quinquennial report is sent to the DAC.

The national parent body of the DAC is the Council for the Care of Churches, a permanent commission of the General Synod.

From the guide to the York Diocesan Archive, Diocesan Advisory Committee for the Care of Churches, 1920-[ongoing], (Borthwick Institute, University of York)

The diocese of York is currently divided into the archdeaconries of York, Cleveland and the East Riding. Rural deaneries were given official status with the setting up of the Church Assembly, Diocesan Conference and Parochial Church Council after World War One. The Ruridecanal Conference (later the Deanery Synod) became a local district council of clergy and laity. The rural dean, whose appointment is in the hands of the Bishop of York and the relevant archdeacon, has the especial care and inspection of the clergy within the archdeaconry, together with several other responsibilities with respect of synodical government.

A number of ruridecanal record collections have been deposited. Principally these consist of minutes of chapter meetings and ruridecanal conferences, but on occasion there are other matters of considerable interest. These include several series of parish newsletters, pamphlets relating to specific issues (such as the debate over the Hydrogen Bomb in the 1950s, or calls for personal rededication in an increasingly secular age), questionnaire returns, lists of clergy and wardens, and discussion regarding such disparate matters as deanery boundaries, church schools and military encroachment on parish lands (with related correspondence).

From the guide to the Diocese of York: Records of the Rural Deanery of Market Weighton, 1843-1985, (Borthwick Institute (York))

This sub fond contains various miscellaneous records of the Church of England.

From the guide to the York Diocesan Archive: Papers relating to the Church of England, 1672-1993, (Borthwick Institute (York))

The bishop’s visitation of his diocese became frequent as far back as the thirteenth century, when the need for observation and correction of both ecclesiastical and lay members of the flock began to be taken seriously. The process was extended and modified by the reformed Church of England, and by the mid-sixteenth century had become an extremely powerful instrument for the maintenance of religious settlement and the discipline of church members. The bishop’s visitation sat alongside the annual visitation of the archdeacons (for which, see GB 193 C.V, GB 193 ER.V, GB 193 S.V and GB 193 Y.V).

It was customary for a bishop to hold his 'primary' visitation during the first year after his enthronement, and thereafter to repeat his 'ordinary' visitations at intervals of three or four years. The process of visitation produced voluminous court books, which in the Diocese of York are arranged by rural deanery. In some cases, chronological files containing each type of visitation document were made, but usually a general file was created for each visitation. In York, visitation papers supplementing the main visitation records include such items as premonitions, returns to articles of enquiry, examinations of clergy, calls, commissions, inhibitions, relaxations, presentments, correction citations, excommunications, penances, surrogations, conjunctions and letters of proxy. Bundles of miscellaneous correspondence illustrating the whole range of archiepiscopal responsibilities and duties survive in a few cases. From 1849 answers to articles of enquiry are entered in the spaces left for them on the printed enquiry forms. Occasionally the visitation also includes papers from the dioceses of Chester or Carlisle.

This sub fonds has recently been expanded to include the Bishopthorpe Papers: Visitation Records (reference Bp.V in the Borthwick Institute Guide).

From the guide to the York Diocesan Archive: Records of the Archbishop: Records of Archiepiscopal Visitation, 1567-[ongoing], (Borthwick Institute (York))

A peculiar is an area exempt from the direct jurisdiction of an archdeacon or bishop, in which the judicial role is exercised either by the Crown, another diocesan bishop, a prebend, Chapters of a cathedral or collegiate, individual Chapter members, the incumbent of a parish, a corporate body such as a university, or the lord of a manor.

Our knowledge of the existence of peculiar jurisdictions dates from the twelfth century when episcopal and parochial boundaries were being established, and English bishops, inspired by reforming decrees emanating from Rome, were attempting to exert their authority throughout their dioceses. In doing so, they met considerable resistance from bishops of other dioceses, heads of religious houses and even laity, all of whom owned estates in the diocese and thus claimed some measure of spiritual authority over their tenants and parishioners. Unsurprisingly, bishops who resented relinquishing control in their own dioceses were often happy to claim jurisdiction over estates in others.

Several monasteries did obtain immunity from the diocesan bishop; likewise, the archbishops of York established a peculiar jurisdiction over the proprietary church of Hexham in the diocese of Durham, while the bishop of Durham possessed similar jurisdiction in Howdenshire and Allertonshire in the diocese of York. Peculiars with the greatest privileges (although not necessarily the largest in area) were almost dioceses in miniature.

The Reformation led to the demise of many peculiars, but several remained in every diocese until the mid-nineteenth century when almost all were merged with normal parishes or became such in their own right. Few now remain, and the status of those that do has in many cases been challenged.

From the guide to the York Diocesan Archive: Peculiar Jurisdiction of the Archbishop, 1588-1849, (Borthwick Institute (York))

The diocesan registry deals with all legal matters concerning the diocese. The diocesan registrar is a solicitor who is appointed by the Archbishop.

From the guide to the York Diocesan Archive: Diocesan Registry: Registry Administration, c1100-[ongoing], (Borthwick Institute, University of York)

A peculiar is an area exempt from the direct jurisdiction of an archdeacon or bishop within the Church. It can be personal, territorial or a combination of the two. The judicial role of a peculiar is exercised either by the Crown, another diocesan bishop, a prebend, Chapters of a cathedral or collegiate, individual Chapter members, the incumbent of a parish, a corporate body such as a university, or the lord of a manor.

Knowledge of the existence of peculiar jurisdictions dates from the twelfth century when episcopal and parochial boundaries were being established, and English bishops, inspired by reforming decrees emanating from Rome, were attempting to exert their authority throughout their dioceses. In doing so, they met considerable resistance from bishops of other dioceses, heads of religious houses and even laity, all of whom owned estates in the diocese and thus claimed some measure of spiritual authority over their tenants and parishioners. Unsurprisingly, bishops who resented relinquishing control in their own dioceses were often happy to claim jurisdiction over estates in others.

The Reformation led to the demise of many peculiars, but several remained in every diocese until the mid-nineteenth century when almost all were merged with normal parishes or became such in their own right. Few now remain, and the status of those that do has in many cases been challenged.

From the guide to the York Diocesan Archive: Peculiar Jurisdictions of the Dignitaries of York Minister and the Archdeacons, 1524 - 19th century, (Borthwick Institute (York))

Medieval and early modern suffragan bishops were principally concerned with administration. Their appointment arose in cases when the diocese was too large for the available bureaucracy, or when the bishop was too overworked, too troubled by illness or infirmity, or regularly absent on royal and papal duties. Since 1870, the Church of England has appointed full-time assistant or suffragan bishops for primarily pastoral purposes. In most dioceses, the diocesan bishop has the assistance of one or more suffragan bishops who reside in the diocese. In the Diocese of York, these take their titles from an appropriate historic town (such as Hull or Selby), or towns redolent with the pre-Conquest roots of Christianity (Beverley and Whitby).

The term 'suffragan' derives from those bishops who had a 'suffrage' (that is, a vote in the House of Lords). A suffragan bishop has a seat in the House of Bishops of the Diocesan Synod and is an ex officio member of the Diocesan Pastoral Committee.

From the guide to the Diocese of York: Records of the Bishop Suffragan of Beverley, 1889-1892, (Borthwick Institute (York))

The diocese of York is currently divided into the archdeaconries of York, Cleveland and the East Riding. Rural deaneries were given official status with the setting up of the Church Assembly, Diocesan Conference and Parochial Church Council after World War One. The Ruridecanal Conference (later the Deanery Synod) became a local district council of clergy and laity. The rural dean, whose appointment is in the hands of the Bishop of York and the relevant archdeacon, has the especial care and inspection of the clergy within the archdeaconry, together with several other responsibilities with respect of synodical government. Deanery boundaries undergo frequent changes, and, currently, Bulmer does not exist as a rural deanery.

A number of ruridecanal record collections have been deposited. Principally these consist of minutes of chapter meetings and ruridecanal conferences, but on occasion there are other matters of considerable interest. These include several series of parish newsletters, pamphlets relating to specific issues (such as the debate over the Hydrogen Bomb in the 1950s, or calls for personal rededication in an increasingly secular age), questionnaire returns, lists of clergy and wardens, and discussion regarding such disparate matters as deanery boundaries, church schools and military encroachment on parish lands (with related correspondence).

From the guide to the Diocese of York: Records of the Rural Deanery of Bulmer, 1911-1980, (Borthwick Institute (York))

The diocese of York is currently divided into the archdeaconries of York, Cleveland and the East Riding. Rural deaneries were given official status with the setting up of the Church Assembly, Diocesan Conference and Parochial Church Council after World War One. The Ruridecanal Conference (later the Deanery Synod) became a local district council of clergy and laity. The rural dean, whose appointment is in the hands of the Bishop of York and the relevant archdeacon, has the especial care and inspection of the clergy within the archdeaconry, together with several other responsibilities with respect of synodical government. Deanery boundaries undergo frequent changes, and, currently, Tadcaster does not exist as a rural deanery.

A number of ruridecanal record collections have been deposited. Principally these consist of minutes of chapter meetings and ruridecanal conferences, but on occasion there are other matters of considerable interest. These include several series of parish newsletters, pamphlets relating to specific issues (such as the debate over the Hydrogen Bomb in the 1950s, or calls for personal rededication in an increasingly secular age), questionnaire returns, lists of clergy and wardens, and discussion regarding such disparate matters as deanery boundaries, church schools and military encroachment on parish lands (with related correspondence).

From the guide to the Diocese of York: Records of the Rural Deanery of Tadcaster, 1943-1977, (Borthwick Institute (York))

There is an accepted division between those who are ordained (clergy), and those who are not (the laity). In the years before the Reformation, these lines were blurred as there were various minor orders, clerks and members of religious orders who may or may not have been ordained. After the reformation the lines between the ordained and the laity became clear, particularly as the more secular roles preciously associated with the clergy (e.g. teaching) became to be considered unsuitable for members of the clergy. Throughout the twentieth century these lines have again become blurred as there is now an increasing number of non-stipendiary (unpaid) clergy, readers & licensed lay workers who continue with their secular jobs while having a role to play in the church.

This sub sub fonds is a grouping together of records from the Diocesan Registry relating to ordination & licensing.

From the guide to the York Diocesan Archive: Diocesan Registry: Ordination & Licensing, 1531-[ongoing], (Borthwick Institute, University of York)

In its general sense, a faculty gives permission for someone within the church to do something. In practice it mostly applies to any alteration, repair, renovation, removal or addition to the fabric or contents of a church or churchyard. Faculty jurisdiction has long applied to church buildings, and since the nineteenth century has applied to the contents of the buildings also. Permission is granted by the ordinary through the Diocesan Chancellor, although more recently archdeacons have also been able to issue certificates granting permission to undertake certain tasks.

A request for a faculty (petition) is made by the parish in order to undertake a specified task. The petition is publicly displayed for a period of time during which objections can be made. If there are no objections, the faculty is issued and the task can go ahead. If there are objections, the case is usually determined through the church courts.

From the guide to the York Diocesan Archive: Diocesan Registry: Faculties, 1620-[ongoing], (Borthwick Institute, University of York)

The diocese of York is currently divided into the archdeaconries of York, Cleveland and the East Riding. Rural deaneries were given official status with the setting up of the Church Assembly, Diocesan Conference and Parochial Church Council after World War One. The Ruridecanal Conference (later the Deanery Synod) became a local district council of clergy and laity. The rural dean, whose appointment is in the hands of the Bishop of York and the relevant archdeacon, has the especial care and inspection of the clergy within the archdeaconry, together with several other responsibilities with respect of synodical government. Deanery boundaries undergo frequent changes, and, currently, Escrick does not exist as a rural deanery.

A number of ruridecanal record collections have been deposited. Principally these consist of minutes of chapter meetings and ruridecanal conferences, but on occasion there are other matters of considerable interest. These include several series of parish newsletters, pamphlets relating to specific issues (such as the debate over the Hydrogen Bomb in the 1950s, or calls for personal rededication in an increasingly secular age), questionnaire returns, lists of clergy and wardens, and discussion regarding such disparate matters as deanery boundaries, church schools and military encroachment on parish lands (with related correspondence).

From the guide to the Diocese of York: Records of the Rural Deanery of Escrick, 1916-1980, (Borthwick Institute (York))

Medieval and early modern suffragan bishops were principally concerned with administration. Their appointment arose in cases when the diocese was too large for the available bureaucracy, or when the bishop was too overworked, too troubled by illness or infirmity, or regularly absent on royal and papal duties. Since 1870, the Church of England has appointed full-time assistant or suffragan bishops for primarily pastoral purposes. In most dioceses, the diocesan bishop has the assistance of one or more suffragan bishops who reside in the diocese. In the Diocese of York, these take their titles from an appropriate historic town (such as Hull or Selby), or towns redolent with the pre-Conquest roots of Christianity (Beverley and Whitby).

The term 'suffragan' derives from those bishops who had a 'suffrage' (that is, a vote in the House of Lords). A suffragan bishop has a seat in the House of Bishops of the Diocesan Synod and is an ex officio member of the Diocesan Pastoral Committee.

From the guide to the Diocese of York: Records of the Bishop Suffragan of Selby, 1972-1983, (Borthwick Institute (York))

The diocese of York is currently divided into the archdeaconries of York, Cleveland and the East Riding. Rural deaneries were given official status with the setting up of the Church Assembly, Diocesan Conference and Parochial Church Council after World War One. The Ruridecanal Conference (later the Deanery Synod) became a local district council of clergy and laity. The rural dean, whose appointment is in the hands of the Bishop of York and the relevant archdeacon, has the especial care and inspection of the clergy within the archdeaconry, together with several other responsibilities with respect of synodical government. Deanery boundaries undergo frequent changes. The rural deanery of Settrington was constituted in 1887 and incorporated into the rural deanery of Buckrose in 1922. Currently, Buckrose does not exist as a rural deanery.

A number of ruridecanal record collections have been deposited. Principally these consist of minutes of chapter meetings and ruridecanal conferences, but on occasion there are other matters of considerable interest. These include several series of parish newsletters, pamphlets relating to specific issues (such as the debate over the Hydrogen Bomb in the 1950s, or calls for personal rededication in an increasingly secular age), questionnaire returns, lists of clergy and wardens, and discussion regarding such disparate matters as deanery boundaries, church schools and military encroachment on parish lands (with related correspondence).

From the guide to the Diocese of York: Records of the Rural Deanery of Buckrose, 1888-1995, (Borthwick Institute (York))

Archbishops' Rolls & Registers. Generally, these registers are the books in which are entered the registered copies of all the official acts of the Archbishop, institutions, ordinations, benefices, resignations, wills proved, judicial proceedings, orders after visitation, archiepiscopal property and so on. The series of York archiepiscopal registers begins in 1225 and continues with only brief gaps until the practice of keeping archbishops' registers at York ceased on 31 December 1971. During the sixteenth century as the administration of the diocese became more complicated, different archiepiscopal functions began to be recorded in dedicated registers. After the appearance of the Institution Act Books in 1545 the archbishops' registers tend to become mere repositories of the more formal documents relating to Convocation and visitation, of testamentary business of the chancery court and of legal instruments affecting churches and parishes.

Institution, Draft & Office Act Books. While at first duplicating the records of institutions within the archbishops' registers, the Institution Act Books do hold additional information. The contents of these act books are not restricted to the simple record of institutions and collations, as their description might imply, but also include ordinations, letters dimissory, caveats, licences for curates, preachers, schoolmasters, proceedings affecting disputed presentations, commissions, resignations, certificates of distance and other administrative memoranda. The Draft Act Books contain many of the same details as the Institution Act Books, however there are some differences. As the Institution Act Books started to contain more and more information, during the nineteenth century the Diocesan Registry began a series of Office Act Books that recorded the legal aspects of diocesan administration.

From the guide to the York Diocesan Archive: Diocesan Registry: Archiepiscopal Administration, 1225-[ongoing], (Borthwick Institute, University of York)

The Tithe Commutation Act of 1836 made provision for the newly constituted Tithe Commissioners to commute tithes into a monetary payment, either by voluntary agreement or by compulsory award. Once the commuted sum had been decided, an apportionment would assess the financial obligation of individual owners of titheable land and property. These tithe apportionments and maps were executed in triplicate, the original being deposited with the Tithe Commissioners and copies being entrusted to the diocesan registrar and the incumbent of the parish. By the Tithe Acts 1836 to 1925 a sealed copy of a certificate of redemption of tithe rent-charge had to be deposited in the diocesan registry to be kept with the diocesan registry to be kept with the diocesan copy of the original tithe apportionment.

From the guide to the York Diocesan Archive: Diocesan Registry: Tithe, 1836-1936, (Borthwick Institute, University of York)

The diocese of York is currently divided into the archdeaconries of York, Cleveland and the East Riding. Easingwold is in York. Rural deaneries were given official status with the setting up of the Church Assembly, Diocesan Conference and Parochial Church Council after World War One. The Ruridecanal Conference (later the Deanery Synod) became a local district council of clergy and laity. The rural dean, whose appointment is in the hands of the Bishop of York and the relevant archdeacon, has the especial care and inspection of the clergy within the archdeaconry, together with several other responsibilities with respect of synodical government.

A number of ruridecanal record collections have been deposited. Principally these consist of minutes of chapter meetings and ruridecanal conferences, but on occasion there are other matters of considerable interest. These include several series of parish newsletters, pamphlets relating to specific issues (such as the debate over the Hydrogen Bomb in the 1950s, or calls for personal rededication in an increasingly secular age), questionnaire returns, lists of clergy and wardens, and discussion regarding such disparate matters as deanery boundaries, church schools and military encroachment on parish lands (with related correspondence).

From the guide to the Diocese of York: Records of the Rural Deanery of Easingwold, 1910-[ongoing], (Borthwick Institute (York))

This sub sub fonds is a grouping together of records from the Diocesan Registry relating to Benefices & Patronage

From the guide to the York Diocesan Archive: Diocesan Registry: Benefices & Patronage, 1531-[ongoing], (Borthwick Institute, York University)

This sub sub fonds is a grouping together of records from the Diocesan Registry relating to returns to national surveys.

From the guide to the York Diocesan Archive: Diocesan Registry: Returns to National Surveys, 1743-1902, (Borthwick Institute, University of York)

The diocese of York is currently divided into the archdeaconries of York, Cleveland and the East Riding. Selby is in York. Rural deaneries were given official status with the setting up of the Church Assembly, Diocesan Conference and Parochial Church Council after World War One. The Ruridecanal Conference (later the Deanery Synod) became a local district council of clergy and laity. The rural dean, whose appointment is in the hands of the Bishop of York and the relevant archdeacon, has the especial care and inspection of the clergy within the archdeaconry, together with several other responsibilities with respect of synodical government.

A number of ruridecanal record collections have been deposited. Principally these consist of minutes of chapter meetings and ruridecanal conferences, but on occasion there are other matters of considerable interest. These include several series of parish newsletters, pamphlets relating to specific issues (such as the debate over the Hydrogen Bomb in the 1950s, or calls for personal rededication in an increasingly secular age), questionnaire returns, lists of clergy and wardens, and discussion regarding such disparate matters as deanery boundaries, church schools and military encroachment on parish lands (with related correspondence).

From the guide to the Diocese of York: Records of the Rural Deanery of Selby, 1909-[ongoing], (Borthwick Institute (York))