Ecclesiastical Courts Officials & Records: Sin, Sex and Probate by Colin Chapman

This concise and accessible guide demystifies the complex workings of England’s ecclesiastical courts—institutions that played a central role in everyday life from the medieval period through the 19th century. Colin Chapman explores the officials, procedures, and records of these courts, which were responsible for:

• Granting probate (wills and letters of administration)

• Issuing marriage licences (common and special)

• Awarding honorary degrees

• Judging moral and social misconduct, including adultery, defamation, and clerical discipline

Known colloquially as the “Bawdy Courts” in the 18th century, these institutions recorded witness depositions in vivid detail—often in English—making them a rich but underused source for family historians.

The book includes:

• Diocesan maps to help locate relevant jurisdictions

• Guidance on where records are now held

• Tips for using these sources in genealogy and migration studies

Whether you're tracing a will, investigating a scandal, or exploring the moral fabric of parish life, this book is an essential tool for unlocking the secrets of ecclesiastical archives.

ISBN : 9781873686157

£6.50

Add to basket