Catalogue description ORDERS IN COUNCIL

This series contains orders in council which detail schemes of commission relating to changes made to diocesan administrative units (such as the union and disunion of benefices, the alteration of parochial boundaries and creation of new parishes) that have been laid before the King or Queen in Council, and ratified by orders which specify when they shall take effect.

Orders in council were created by the Ecclesiastical Commissioners in England which was set up by Parliament in 1836 to reorganise dioceses, abolish surplus posts in cathedrals, take over the responsibility for funding bishops and some cathedral costs, and manage the assets that had supported those responsibilities. The surplus income was to be used "for the cure of souls in parishes where such assistance is most required". They had a major role in financing churches for the new population centres that grew up in the Industrial Revolution and in supporting the stipends of the clergy who worked there. In 1856 they took over the work of the Church Building Commissioners. Since 1948 their function has been carried out by the Church Commissioners. When published in the London Gazette the orders have the same force and effect as an Act of Parliament.

The orders are arranged in chronological order.

For later orders see office papers DS/OP

Deposited by Southwark Diocesan Registry AC/63/50