The parochial visitation of the Rev Samuel Butler, archdeacon of Derby in the diocese of Lichfield and Coventry.
Bishops carried out a visitation of their diocese during their first year of office and at regular intervals thereafter to correct clerical and lay abuses. Ministers and churchwardens were questioned about the state of the parish and any misdemeanours were dealt with by the bishop's officials or in the consistory court. Over time, bishops started to issue printed questionnaires that concerned the extent of the parish, residence of the incumbent, number of church services, prevalence of Nonconformity or Roman Catholicism and the religious instruction of the youth.
Family Tree Magazine May 2010For an explanation of the numbers see table 2.
Thank you to Heather Eaton for the reference to this information.
Home| Church Index