Bishops' Confirmations & Retirements

The records have been divided into 3 series as follows:

• Confirmation Files. The records relate specifically to the act of confirmation, each file being composed of some or all of the relevant documents used in the ceremony together with occasional correspondence and notes. Arranged chronologically. 1560-1968. [Bps.Conf + Bps.Cons]
• Confirmation of Consecrations Overseas, arranged chronologically. 1916-1962. [Bps.Cons.OS]
• Retirements Under the Bishops' Retirement Measure 1986. Notifications of retirement (signed by the Bishop concerned and with the names and addresses of two witnesses) were all issued under the Bishops' Retirement Measure of 1986. Many of the files also contain associated correspondence. Files are arranged by the year in which the resignation was submitted, not the year in which it took effect, although details of the official date of each retirement are given on each file. Arranged chronologically, 1987-2003 [PROV/BP.RES]

Since the break with Rome, the appointment of Bishops has rested with the Sovereign under the Appointment of Bishops Act, 1533. When a vacancy occurs, the Sovereign sends a licence to the dean & chapter of the vacant see to elect a Bishop and a letter missive stating the name of person who is to be elected. If there is a delay of more than 12 days in the election of the Bishop, the Sovereign can still appoint their choice of Bishop. If the Bishop is elected, the Bishop elect swears an oath of allegiance to the Sovereign and the Archbishop is instructed to confirm the elected person as Bishop. From 1974, the Sovereign has appointed Bishops on advice from the Prime Minister, who in turn is advised by the Crown Appointments Commission of the General Synod.

It is only from the time of his confirmation that a bishop is fully invested with the authority to exercise all spiritualities (jurisdiction) and receives the temporalities (property) from the Sovereign. The archbishop possesses the right of confirming and consecrating newly appointed bishops of suffragan dioceses within the northern province.

A bishop must retire at 70 years of age, although there can be an extension for up to a year if authorised by the archbishop. The see is declared vacant six months before the bishop is due to retire. If a bishop wishes to retire before the normal retirement age they must seek the permission of the archbishop.

A hard copy finding aid for Retirements [PROV/BP.RES], and an index for a selection of the Bishops' Confirmation files [Bps.Conf + Bps.Cons] 1561-1860, are available at the Borthwick Institute.