Church officials

In the register for 1702 there is the first mention of a rector as a resident parson, but for very many years after this date it was customary for the incumbent to be a non-resident, and even Mr. A.Earl, who died at the beginning of the 20th century, was only ‘curate in charge’. With the exception of the year 1646 the living has been in the gift of the Earl of Pembroke from 1613 to the late 1920s, when Dr Clay made his list.

The Incumbents of the Parish – 1305 to date

The following extract is taken from Wiltshire Institutions by Sir Thomas Phillips.

This list is far from complete, and is slightly inaccurate. The following corrections are necessary :

1527		John Deane
1540	?	John Roberts
1646	Parliament	Randolph Caldecott
1646?	Parliament	John Priaux
1660	?	John Priaux (confirmed in his office)
1811	E. of Pembroke	William Coxe
1828	E. of Pembroke	G. Dewdney
1836	E. of Pembroke	Wellesley Pole Pigott
	E. of Pembroke	J. Elers
1890	E. of Pembroke	Alfred Earle
1898	E. of Pembroke	Maitland A. Shorland
1919		Robert Usher
1942		Jesse Lees
1951		Homer Hill
1958		John Blanchett
1974		Kenneth Cooper
1984		Charles Goulding
1986		Joseph Bell
1991		John Eade

Incumbents noted in italics in the above list were added to Doctor Clay’s original list by M.A.M. in February 2004 .

Churchwardens

The churchwardens’ books date from 1795, but it is not possible to compile an accurate list of those who held the office prior to 1823.

(Note: The retiring churchwardens were re-elected in those years which are not included in the above list)

R.C.C.C.

Content last updated
9 June 2006

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