Rural Deans

This sub sub sub fonds is divided into 2 series as follows:

• Returns to the Archbishop, from each rural dean regarding each parish in their respective deaneries. Articles of Inquiry regarding church & chancel (repair, fixtures etc), registers, bells, repair funds, chapels of ease within the parish, churchyard (repair, maintenance etc), glebe, terrier, charitable foundations (schools & others, trustees, administration). 1865. [RD.Ret]
• Record of resolutions. Resolutions passed by each ruridecanal chapter regarding legal issues put to them by the Archbishop (amendments to the Book of Common Prayer (Autumn 1874), the extension of the Order of the Diaconate, School Boards & comments on the Burials Bill (Summer 1875).) [RD.Res]

In 1865, Archbishop Thomson requested each rural dean to survey the upkeep, maintenance and provision of facilities and institutions within each parish of their respective rural deanery. Occasional questions were also directly put to the ruridecanal chapters by the archbishop in order to canvass the views and attitudes of those within the church at this level.