Subscription

This sub sub sub fonds has 1 series as follows:

• Subscription Books 1606-1887 [Sub.Bk 1-49]

The doctrinal changes of the Reformation found expression in the 42 articles of Archbishop Cranmer (1553) and, after Elizabeth's accession, in the 39 articles of 1563, which were finally revised in 1571. Subscription to these articles was made mandatory for all candidates for holy orders and those to be admitted to benefices. The 36th canon of 1604 laid down the form of subscription to the 39 articles, the Royal Supremacy and the Book of Common Prayer. The York subscription books begin in 1606, although some subscriptions of 1571 are to be found in the Institution Act Book covering that year. In fact, the overlapping of dates indicates that there was more than one series of subscription books and occasionally subscriptions of ordinands are registered separately. In addition to the regular subscriptions of ordination candidates, the beneficed clergy and stipendiary curates, there are also occasional subscriptions of schoolmasters, preachers, parish clerks and surgeons, though it is clear that these latter entries do not attempt to be anything but selective and spasmodic. Since the late nineteenth century formal subscription to the 39 articles has been replaced by a more general affirmation of acceptance.

• A hard copy finding aid is available at the Borthwick Institute.
• Sub.Bk.4 has a typescript index of persons and places.
• Sub.Bks.13,16,20,26,46,47(to p.61) are indexed by person.
• Sub.Bks.19,21-25,27,29,31(to p.130) are indexed by person and place.