Norfolk Gazetteers and Directories: Terminology

In some of the Norfolk gazetteers and directories (such as White's, Kelly's and Harrod's), terminology and expressions are used which are not always explained, as they would have been understood when the book was published.

For a description, and examples of the content, etc, see the GENUKI Norfolk Gazetteers and Directories page.

For general British history, for such topics as the Dissolution of the Monasteries, please consult other sources, such as books in your local library.

The King's Book(s) (often abbreviated to K.B.)

Another name for the Valor Ecclesiasticus, compiled in 1535-36 as an inventory of ecclesiastical and monastic goods and properties. [Henry VIII; Dissolution of the Monasteries].

Queen Anne's Bounty

A fund established by Queen Anne in 1704 for the benefit of the poorer clergy, from revenue that had been due to her. In the 19th century, the fund also received private donations and grants from Parliament.

Tithes

Payment of one tenth of the produce, or the earnings, of the inhabitants of a parish, for the maintenance of the church. From 1836 to 1891, tithes were replaced with rent charges based on the price of corn. [Tithe Acts].

Impropriation

The transfer of tithes, after the Dissolution of the Monasteries, from the monasteries to laymen. So an impropriator was a layman who received the tithes from the parish.

Rectors and Vicars

A rector was a parish priest, who received the parish revenues directly. A vicar was a parish priest, who did not receive the revenues, but received part of them from the impropriator.

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See also Norfolk Gazetteers and Directories.

Copyright © Pat Newby.
February 1999