Understanding Vicar-Choralships: A Historical Overview

A vicar-choralship is a benefice which is held in conjunction with a chantry. The holder of the benefice, who is called the vicar-choral, has the right to receive the profits of the chantry, and is also entitled to the stipend or emoluments annexed to the vicarage.

The establishment of vicar-chorals was common in England during the Middle Ages, and they were often founded by wealthy individuals or families for the purpose of providing for the celebration of Masses for the souls of their deceased relatives. The chantry was usually endowed with land or other property, the income from which was applied to the maintenance of the priest who celebrated the Masses, and also to the support of the vicar-choral.

In some cases, the vicar-choralship was attached to a specific parish church, and the holder of the benefice was responsible for the spiritual needs of the congregation. However, in other cases, the vicar-choralship was a separate entity from the parish, and the holder of the benefice had no pastoral responsibilities.

The establishment of vicar-chorals declined in the 16th century with the Protestant Reformation, as the celebration of Masses became less common in England. However, some vicar-chorals still exist today, and they are often associated with historic churches or chapels.