10 Supervision of the Clergy

Abstract This chapter investigates the evidence for the oversight and supervision of the clergy. It examines the processes of visitations by bishops and archdeacons, and the use of rural deans in monitoring the conduct and activities of parish clergy. It looks at the evidence for clerical societies and deanery meetings of clergy which were encouraged by bishops, especially in the early 18th and early 19th centuries. The process for making and investigating complaints against clergy is examined. The procedures used by bishops for disciplining clergy, and the levels of expectation by parishioners and bishops are considered.