Anglican clergymen – Glossary

Tracing your religious ancestry can often involve making sense of ecclesiastical terminology. Some of the more common words and phrases are explained below...

Advowson The right to select a clergyman to serve in a parish

Curate An ordained clergyman assisting an incumbent

Deacon The first stage of ordination before proceeding to be ordained as a priest

Glebe terrier An inventory of the land and property connected to a parish to support the vicar

Incumbent The clergyman appointed to a parish

Patron The person or organisation with the right to appoint a clergyman to a living

Rector, vicar or perpetual curate Different titles for clergymen appointed to a parish, depending on the terms of the appointment