What is a parish?
– Civil administration in England and Wales is based on the parish system. Since medieval times an ecclesiastical parish has been that area in the charge of the clergyman at the parish church. Until the early 19th century there were about 11,000 Anglican parishes in England and Wales. These parishes are often called ancient parishes to distinguish them from the many new parishes created since about 1830. Administration of the parish was undertaken by a council known as the vestry, and by officials such as church wardens and overseers. In the 16th and 17th centuries many administrative functions such as highway repairs, were transferred from manorial courts to the parish which also became responsible for the care of the sick and the poor. During the 19th century responsibility for most secular matters was passed from parishes to central government, or to county or borough councils. In the 19th century, the growth and change in population led to the building of many new Anglican churches
Related Questions
- Why are parishioners asked to pledge different amounts? Would dividing the parish target by the number of households be an easier and fairer method?
- Can the Caddo Parish District Attorneys Office give me information on a ticket I received in another parish or state?
- How can I/we find out about getting married in the Parish, or having our Bans read?
