Reference code: GB-0298-UC/P44
Title: Old Chapter Papers
Dates of creation: 1622-1798
Extent: 1 file
Held by: Ushaw College Library
Origination: William Bishop
Language: English and Latin
The Old Chapter was established in 1623 by the first Vicar-Apostolic, Dr William Bishop. Dr Bishop was responsible for organising a regular form of ecclesiastical government throughout the country. The Chapter, consisting of 24 canons headed by
Dean John Colleton, was an integral part of this scheme. The Chapter’s authority was a matter of some debate, having no diocese attached to it and having never been formally recognised by Rome. Nevertheless, there were no attempts to suppress the
Chapter and it retained canonical status, existing “sciente et tacente sede apostolica” (with the knowledge and silent consent of the pope). Following the deaths of Dr Bishop and his successor, Dr Richard Smith, the
Chapter assumed the right to rule the country and all offices were transferred to the authority of the dean. Although the Old Chapter’s authority was weakened by James II, who issued a decree suspending all jurisdiction of chapters, it continued in
existence until the Restoration of the Hierarchy in 1850. Never formally dissolved, the Old Chapter was reconstituted as the Old Brotherhood of the English Secular Clergy, with the dean of the Old Chapter becoming president of this new
organisation.
Papers relating to the Chapter founded by Bishop William Bishop. The papers include notes on the history and authority of the Chapter, minutes of General Chapter meetings, extracts of orders and correspondence.
Typed transcripts are included with most of the original documents
Collection brought together by Rev. Michael Sharratt as part of the Old Series of documents in Ushaw College Library
Previous reference number OS/F
Open for consultation.
Permission to make any published use of material from the collection must be sought in advance from pg.library@durham.ac.uk and, where appropriate, from the copyright owner. The Library will assist where possible with identifying copyright
owners, but responsibility for ensuring copyright clearance rests with the user of the material
Card catalogue with item list
Old Chapter PapersUC/P44/1 1622
Language:
English
Note by Thomas Eyre on the foundation and organisation of the Chapter by Bishop William Bishop
1f
UC/P44/2 [?1655 x 1659]
Language:
English
Paper by [?John Sergeant] defending the continuing authority of the Dean and Chapter after the death of Bishop Smith, giving an account of the foundation and quoting canonical authorities to demonstrate its equal standing with other chapters
Includes a typed transcript
2f
UC/P44/3 [?1630]
Language:
English
Answers by an anonymous writer to objections that the bishop of Chalcedon is not the Ordinary of England and has no immediate jurisdiction
Endorsed: copy of notes found at Townley
Includes a typed transcript
2f
UC/P44/4 [?1640]
Language:
Latin
Part of a disquisition on chapters by an anonymous writer to demonstrate the undoubted authority of the Chapter founded by William Bishop and confirmed by Richard Smith
2f
UC/P44/5 [2 August 1656]
Language:
English
(1) Copy of the institution of the Dean and Chapter by William Bishop
(2) Extract of a letter from George Leyburne to some of his brethren
(3) Letter from John Sergeant to Chapter: arguing that the reception in Rome of the Chapter's agent, Plantin [Lawrence Platt], is equivalent to a recognition of the Chapter's jurisdiction
Includes a typed transcript of (3)
2f
UC/P44/6 6 - 11 May 1667
Language:
English
Copy of the minutes of the General Assembly of the Chapter
Includes a typed transcript
4f
UC/P44/7 [?1660 x 1669]
Language:
English
Letter from John Sergeant to [?]: defending the Chapter from unfair comparison with the Long Parliament of Cromwell, suggesting that Trent's decrees are neither promulgated in England nor relevant to the unbeneficed Chapter, and the pope and
Cardinal Barberini mentioning membership as qualification for a bishopric [Russell's appointment] and the curia wishing to appoint deans in the future
Includes a typed transcript
2f
UC/P44/8 1653 - 1676
Language:
English
31 orders for the government of the English clergy made in the assemblies of 1653, 1657, 1661, 1667 and 1672, and confirmed by the assembly of 1676
Includes a typed transcript
1f
UC/P44/9 [?1665 x 1669]
Language: English and Latin
Note by [?John Sergeant] and [?Alexander Holt] entitled
“A little memorial concerning the Bishop of Chalcedons Authty remaining in the Chapter”
In Latin: arguments to show that the Chapter has continuing jurisdiction
Includes a typed transcript
1f
UC/P44/10 12 - 17 July 1798
Language:
English
Extracts from the minutes of a General Chapter held at Birmingham concerning the orthodoxy and status of Joseph Cuthbert Wilks
4f
