Vicar general's books

This series consists of vicar general's books, recording the business of the vicar general. Entries in the volumes include acts granting probate and administrations similar to those in probate and administration act books, marriage licences, letters of sequestration successors to vacant church offices, parish caveats, lists of licences to clergy, surgeons, midwives, schoolteachers and parish clerks, faculties permissions to alter church buildings and instruments for instituting select vestries. Each volume is identified by a personal name, the surname of the vicar general for the period covered by the book. Some volumes contain lists of contents and indexes.

Although the bishop had supreme authority over his courts, he would rarely sit in person, and consequently officials were appointed to oversee the courts. In the consistory court this role was taken by the chancellor of the diocese, a post which combined the two offices of official principal and the vicar general. The official principal would hear instance causes, while the vicar general was responsible for office causes.

The volumes are arranged chronologically.

These records have been microfilmed. Please use microfilm copies.