Synopsis
Horae Decanicae Rurales: Being An Attempt To Illustrate, By A Series Of Notes And Extracts, The Name And Title, The Origin, Appointment, And Functions, Personal And Capitular, Of Rural Deans. With A Few Incidental Remarks On The Rise And Decay Of Rural Bishops, And On The Incardination Of is a historical work by William Dansey that surveys the institution and practical workings of rural capitular chapters in medieval and early modern church governance. The excerpt examines their origins, structure, daily operations, and the range of powers exercised by rural deans and their chapters, situating them within synodal canons, papal and metropolitan decrees, and local statutes across Great Britain, Ireland, and parts of continental Europe. It notes the generally deliberative character of capitula, with occasional judicial functions, and details the cadence of meetings (monthly kalenda and quarterly assemblies), publication of canons, enforcement of discipline, and reporting mechanisms. The text also covers governance, reform efforts to protect poorer clergy, finances, and the contentious jurisdiction over matters like marriage, wills, and advowsons. It enumerates topics from presiding duties to penalties, and cites authorities such as Lyndwood, Somner, and Atterbury. The local summaries extend the scope to continental and English diocesan practices, commissions, oaths, visitation procedures, and revival efforts in Canterbury and Welsh sees, illustrating a century-spanning study of episcopal governance.
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