The records in this section are divided into two sub sub fonds as follows:
The archdeacon's annual visits to observe the spiritual and moral welfare of his flock, both ecclesiastical and lay, and the work of his court, produced voluminous administrative documents. Most are concerned with the election and appointment of clergy and other officials to office; the remainder comprises the archdeacons' correspondence and working files.
Records in this section include induction mandates (documents officially inducting individuals into their benefices); convocation papers (in some instances including lists of electing clergy); archbishops' inhibitions and relaxations; records of the payment of fees (principally the collection of procurations for episcopal and archidiaconal visitations); and papers relating to the appointment and resignation of various officials of the archdeaconry jurisdiction. Several boxes of administrative miscellanea are also extant, comprising letters, copies of gazettes in which the visitation details were published and lists of benefices (although these are sporadic and the existence of these records should not be relied upon for any particular year).
Records are open to the public, subject to the overriding provisions of relevant legislation and the wishes of the donors/owners.
Where indicated, hard-copy finding aids are available at the Borthwick Institute, and an online guide (to 1980) may be found at http://www.york.ac.uk/inst/bihr/Guidesandfindingaids.htm. Please note some of the document references listed here have been updated.
Bound volumes, loose papers.
A reprographics service is available to researchers. Copying will not be undertaken if there is any risk of damage to the document. Copies are supplied in accordance with the Borthwick Institute, University of York terms and conditions for the supply of copies, and under provisions of any relevant copyright legislation. Permission to reproduce images of documents in the custody of the Borthwick Institute must be sought.
