Advowson meaning

The right of ecclesiastical patronage to present a suitably qualified priest to the bishop for institution to a vacant benefice (incumbency) of the Church of England. In practice, the patron proposes; the bishop decides whether to institute. The right is an incorporeal hereditament at common law, now tightly regulated by Church of England legislation, chiefly the Patronage (Benefices) Measure 1986 and related Measures. Typical features include: presentation on a vacancy; parish representatives’ rights to approve or refuse a nominee; diocesan procedures and registers of patrons; lapse of the right to present if not exercised within the statutory period; and strict limits on transfer. Sale of an advowson or of the next presentation is generally prohibited, though rights may pass on death or by permitted gift or scheme (often involving charities, colleges or cathedrals). Jurisdictional position: - England: continues in limited, regulated form within the Church of England. - Wales: ceased on disestablishment of the Church in Wales (Welsh Church Act 1914). - Scotland: lay patronage abolished (Church Patronage (Scotland) Act 1874). - Ireland and Northern Ireland: ceased on disestablishment of the Church of Ireland (Irish Church Act 1869). Used today mainly in ecclesiastical appointments, charity/trust governance and historic title matters.