Licensing of churches, chapels and additional churchyards pending consecration

Scope and Content

Temporary Licences to use churches, chapels and additional churchyards pending consecration [Lic.Temp]. Petitions, occasional correspondence & copies of licences to use new churches and chapels for divine service and to inter the dead in new or additional burial grounds before they had been consecrated by the ordinary. 1762-1870

Administrative / Biographical History

A building does not become a church until it has been consecrated for public worship and although a churchyard does not have to be consecrated, the practice of doing so is common practice. Before the land or buildings are consecrated divine services and burials may be held there if the bishop issues a temporary licence.

Other Finding Aids

A hard copy finding aid is available at the Borthwick Institute.