Meaning
A lay official elected by the parish to assist the incumbent and manage church affairs.
Description
Churchwardens were elected annually by the parishioners to manage the fabric and finances of the parish church. They were responsible for maintaining the church building, managing the churchyard, accounting for parish funds and assisting the vicar in the administration of the parish. In earlier centuries churchwardens also had responsibility for poor relief and moral discipline within the parish. The role was unpaid and was typically filled by respectable tradesmen or farmers. Churchwardens kept detailed accounts that are valuable genealogical and historical sources.
Also Known As
Parish Warden, Overseer
Commonly Found In
- Parish Registers
- Churchwarden Accounts
- Vestry Minutes
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