Non-residence

This sub sub sub fonds is divided into 6 series as follows:

• Non-residence: Registers of non-residence licences, 1803-1950 [NR.Reg]
• Non-residence: Index of non-residence licences Issued, 1803-1828. Arranged alphabetically by person. [NR.Ind]
• Non-residence papers. Petitions for licences, medical certificates, notifications of exemption from the requirements of residence, copies of licences and correspondence, arranged chronologically. 1797-1957. [NRP]
• Copies of returns to the Privy Council of resident and non-resident incumbents (in accordance with the Benefices Act 1803), 1814-1815. [PC.Ret.1-2]
• Copies of returns to the Privy Council of resident and non-resident incumbents in accordance with the Pluralities Act 1838. Copies of returns 1907-1920. [PC.Ret.3-14]
• Incumbents' replies to the Diocesan Registrar prior to the completion of the returns. Arranged chronologically. 1911-1921. [D/PC.Ret]

Archiepiscopal permission for incumbents to be absent from their benefices for specified periods, particularly in accordance with the constitution Cum ex eo, is often recorded in the medieval York registers. With the passing of an act of parliament in 1803, a licence to be absent temporarily from, or to reside outside, a benefice could be issued only in certain specific cases: as a consequence of ill-health and other special personal circumstances, or because there was no residence house, or else because the existing residence house was unfit for habitation. Certain clergy were partially or wholly exempted from the requirements of residence by virtue of their other offices. The 1803 Act also made provision for the registration of all non-residence licences.

A hard copy finding aid is available. Transcriptions of non-residence registers NR.Reg 1-3 are also available in hard copy at the Borthwick Institute.