Published by Primary Source Microfilm

"A major service to historians of medieval and early modern England is performed by making available this rich source covering so many of the aspects of the life of laity and clergy in its economic, moral and religious dimensions." -- Dr. Eamon Duffy, Magdalene College, Cambridge

These important documents touch on a wide range of key topics, including ritual and revenue; faith and practice; the morality of the laity and their religious behavior; marriage and illegitimacy; wills and administration of interstates; maintenance of the doctrines of the faith; the keeping of oaths; and the patronage and furnishings of the church.

Series One: The Church Court Records of Ely

Part One offers the main sequence of Instance Act Books, covering cases between parties, particularly marriage and tithe cases.

Part Two supplies the Office Act Books, which treat the spiritual and moral welfare of both clergy and laity. This is supplemented by a collection of Formularies, dealing with matters as diverse as sequestrations, and dispensations.

Series One32 reels

Part One: Instance Act Books and Court Papers, 1374-1640
19 reels

Part Two: Office Act Books and Formularies, 1469-1639
13 reels

Series Two: The Church Court Records of Chichester

Further revealing the shifting relationship between church and society in England, this key series provides the complete records for the important diocese of Chichester. These manuscripts detail the operation of the ecclesiastical authorities and give insights into all those tried and involved in the courts. The Chichester records have been selected for Series Two not only because of their inherent quality, but also to offer an instructive contrast with the Ely records, published as Series One.

Series Two38 reels

Part One: Instance Act Books, 1506-1696; Deposition Books, 1557-1694; and Taxation Books, 1606-1607
19 reels

Part Two: Detection Books, 1538-1700; Excommunication Papers, 1612-1665; Churchwarden's Presentments, 1573-1698; and other Papers
19 reels

Complete Collection: 70 reels in two series