A DORSET ROYAL PECULIAR. 



habitants of the district. To the Governors was given a 

 common seal, and the privilege to sue and be sued as a body 

 corporate. Various tithes and estates were committed to 

 them, under this and succeeding charters, " with all ecclesias- 

 tical power, authority and jurisdiction within the parish of 

 Wimborne Minster,"* which in former times had belonged 

 to the College, &c. 



The ecclesiastical authority of the dean and chapter passed 

 to the twelve governors, who delegated their authority to an 

 " Official of the peculiar and exempt jurisdiction of Wimborne 

 Minster" whom they appointed to serve during their pleasure. f 



The Consistory Court at Wimborne was held in that portion 

 of the north aisle of the Minster which is situated to the west 

 of the north porch. The panelling which is still to be seen 

 against the west wall marks the place where the " Principal 

 Official " sat as Judge. 



Frequently he was one of the " Three Presbyters," or 

 " Ministers " of the Church, though sometimes a layman of 

 position and eminence was appointed to the post. Occa- 

 sionally one of the " Ministers " also acted as surrogate. The 

 Principal Official, who bore the title of " Worshipful " (Vir 

 Venerabilis), was assisted by a " Register," who must be a 

 Notary Publick. His Court was a Probate Court for the 

 proving of wills and for granting letters of administration, and 

 for receiving bonds and inventories. He had the power of 

 granting marriage licences. The Churchwardens and Sides- 

 men were " sworn " before him, and " presented " the con- 

 dition of church and churchyard and the need of repairs, if 

 any. He sat as Judge when presentments were made by the 

 Churchwardens against persons for various offences. Amongst 

 these were 



The non-payment of tithes and of Church rates. 

 The non-payment of Court dues. 



* Cf. Minutes of Church Governors of W.M. of August 9, 1763. 

 " Jura ecclesiastica, proficua, jurisdicciones ecclesiasticas, ac omnia 

 alia prehominenc', prerogativa, jura," &c., &c. (Charter of Charles I., 

 25 March, 1C39). 



