Anglican Clergymen – Background

There are a couple of other sources which are worth checking to add some background to your research.

Many parish clergymen in the late 19th and 20th centuries produced a parish magazine. Copies of these may survive in the local library or record office. Until the early 20th century, clergymen sometimes published their collected sermons (Crockford’s entries usually list any publications). They were often at the centre of parish social life, so look for them in the local newspaper, copies of which you may find at the nearest library or record office or the British Library Newspaper Library at Colindale, London.

Until recently, the parish clergyman usually lived in a large vicarage or rectory. Many of these have now been sold, but you may find the sale particulars in the local library or record office.

Up to the 19th century, you may find the parish “glebe terrier”, which was a detailed description of the house, the land that belonged to the vicar, and any other rights and dues he was entitled to. That should also be in the local record office.

Don’t forget to look in the parish’s own records, where the clergyman would appear almost daily; not only in the parish registers but the parochial church council, vestry or churchwardens’ records, among others.