Patrons and Prelates, Priests and Parishioners

: the exercise of power over and by the clergy of western Sussex, 1660 - 1730

Abstract

The exercise of power by one person over another has existed throughout time, biblically since Eve gave Adam the apple or Cain slew his brother Abel. This thesis investigates the distinctive context of the Church of England and the exercise of power both over and by the clergy of Chichester Diocese from 1660 to 1730, focusing primarily on Chichester Archdeaconry. It uniquely links the traditional exercise of power over the clergy 'from above', by patrons and ecclesiastical hierarchy, with that expressed 'from below' through the voices of parishioners. It shows the importance of considering all interactions between individuals, and the need for power descriptors unique to the ecclesiastical situation. Primary evidence is drawn from the extensive range of deposition, detection and other Consistory Court documents of the Diocese of Chichester.

The main focus is western Sussex, broadly coterminous with Chichester archdeaconry, historically dominated by large estates. Two distinct time periods are also considered: the less researched years between the Restoration of 1660 and the Glorious Revolution of 1688/9, a period of gradual reconstruction of the Church at both parish and diocesan level, and the decades immediately following this change, leading to comparative stability by 1730.

Uniquely, this research is both qualitative and quantitative, bringing a fresh dimension to historical understanding. The influence of patrons and bishops is explored and clerical case studies carefully identified to represent a wide spectrum of time, parishes and case types. Through these extensive case studies, the widespread impact on clergy is revealed, demonstrating conflict with patrons and bishops, archdeacons and chancellors, churchwardens and parishioners.

Detailed networks of influence emerge, revealing a range of power types, some unique to the ecclesiastical situation. Subsequent analysis provides an extended and unique understanding of the exercise of power, and the significance of its covert and latent forms, expressed through the voices of individuals at all levels of society, not previously researched in this way. A combined qualitative and quantitative approach, together with a general analytical method proposed, will enhance a range of research in other historical contexts.

Date of Award	2024
Original language	English
Supervisor	Alan MacDonald (Supervisor), Patricia Kelleher (Supervisor) & Andrew Foster (Supervisor)