Index Ecclesiasticus

Even if you fo not have clergy ancestors, it is interesting to know more about the names on parish registers. The Index Ecclesiasticus was originally published in 1890, and is a list of Church of England rectors, vicars, bishops, deans and other salaried staff. Originally conceived as a full list of churchmen since the Reformation, this first volume covers the period from 1800 to 1840 only. It is therefore useful for a time before directories such as Crockford's, which was first published in 1858.

The details given of each individual consist of the office held, the parish and the year, and were collected from various contemporary sources. They show that the clergy moved frequently and over considerable distances, frequently holding more than one post at the same time. Charles Wapshare appears to have been Rector of Sproatley in Yorkshire, Vicar of Kilmersdon in Somerset, and Vicar of East Hendred in Berkshire, all in 1806.

The CD is easy to use, and the page images are very clear.

Published by S&N, it costs £17.45 plus £2.50 postage. Details are at www.genealogysupplies.com or write to S&N, West Wing, Manor Farm, Chilmark, Salisbury SP3 5AF.