There are a number of acts and statutory instruments that go some way towards safeguarding historical records, but in many cases the wording is open to interpretation. This section outlines the main acts, statutory instruments and Measures of the Church of England that have an impact on the care and custody of records.
The Local Government (Records) Act 1962 (LGRA 1962) confers limited discretionary powers for local authorities to provide certain archives services.
The 1922 Law of Property Act brought to an end the last meaningful function of manorial courts through the abolition of that form of land tenure known as 'copyhold'.
The Parochial Registers and Records Measure 1978, passed by the General Synod of the Church of England, was a step to ensure the long-term care and preservation of and access to parish records.
The Tithe Commutation Act, 1836 (6&7 Will.IV, c.71) allowed payment of tithes in kind to be substituted by money payments.