Patronage

Patronage is the legal right to appoint an incumbent to an ecclesiastical benefice i.e. the right to appoint a Rector or Vicar of a parish church. It comes from an ancient right in English Law called “advowson” which has been in place since Anglo-Saxon times when the patron (usually the landowner) built the church and often provided housing and land for the clergy to earn a living.

Historically a patron’s rights related to an individual parish, but the Patronage (Benefices) Measure 1986 grouped the patrons’ rights collectively to represent the benefice rather than individual parishes. The patrons could then act jointly or in turns.

A patron’s main responsibility now is one of a duty of care, to act as an external advocate for their benefice during times of change.

The Diocesan Registry is required to main a Patronage Register for each benefice, and details can be obtained from the Diocesan Registry Clerk, Joanna Pelan (Joanna-pelan@birketts.co.uk).

Patronage rights can be transferred either during a patron’s lifetime, or under their Will. The Diocesan Registrar or his Clerk can advise on the legislation and procedure regarding this.

Where a patron is unable to continue their duties, the Norwich Diocese Board of Patronage can act in their place. This is a statutory body that every Diocese is required to have, comprised of the Bishop and elected clergy and lay people within the Diocese.

Page updated Feb 2026