Parish Clerks.

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Profile	Posted by	Options	Post Date
Member Since: April 2003 Posts: 768 Send Message	Margaret	Report	31 Aug 2007 15:56
Member Since: April 2003 Posts: 768 Send Message	This is probably a very stupid question. What exactly (c.1850) would a Parish Clerk do? I've been Googling and it seems that they had to sing in the choir, read the Epistle and if the Sexton were unavailable - dig the graves. In short, nothing clerical, so why were they called Clerks? My Gt.Grandfather was a Parish Clerk and I'm trying to get some idea of what he did, apart from his normal occupation. Also are there any records of Parish Clerks - or were they too 'lowly' to warrant that? Thanks, M. Steer
Member Since: November 2004 Posts: 2,092 Send Message	Kathlyn	Report	31 Aug 2007 16:29
	Yes, they were a general dogsbody to the church. As for records of parish clerks, I would think that that info is lodged with each church. I wanted some information from a parish church, I contacted them and they were very helpful. Kathlyn
Member Since: April 2003 Posts: 768 Send Message	Margaret	Report	31 Aug 2007 17:05
Member Since: April 2003 Posts: 768 Send Message	Thanks, Kathlyn. I suppose I can safely assume that Gt.Grandpa was physically fit, had a reasonable singing voice and could read? I hadn't thought of contacting the actual Church - from past experience I haven't had much luck with present day Vicars - but maybe I'll give it a go. M. Steer