Patronage is a system that began with the establishment of the Church of England. A Patron having the right to appoint or present an Incumbent (vicar, priest rector, etc.) to a benefice (parish). While the patron doesn’t control the clergy’s daily duties after institution, they ensure a considered appointment process, acting as an independent advocate for the parish’s spiritual needs. This right is sometimes known as an âadvowsonâ.
While patrons can include private individuals, the Crown, Bishops, colleges, religious bodies, charities, etc. they can also be wealthy Landowners as is the case of East Worlington. This section tells the storyof patronage in East Worlington which included the church, East Worlington Rectory and adjacdent land starting from the most recent named patron and moving back in history to give an insight into the parish land ownership prior to the establishment of the role of patron.