York Minster

York Minster: the four major dignities

The four principal clergymen (technically known as dignities) at York Cathedral were, in theory, in medieval times the rulers of the cathedral, the four corner stones of the Minster’s spiritual as well as material fabric (Aylmer and Cant, A History of York Minster, p. 62).

York Minster retains the historic titles of the major dignities. Two of these, Dean and Precentor, signify roles which would be comprehensible to their ancient predecessors, but two, Chancellor and Treasurer, are now different.

This fourfold pattern of government was established soon after the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. Thomas of Bayeux, Archbishop of York 1070-1100, made the first appointments before December 1093, with the exception of the Master of the Schools, later known as the Chancellor, the first of whom was in office sometime after 1070.

Under Useful Documents at the left of the screen, there are downloadable files that list the holders of these offices.

The Dean

The dean presided over the chapter and had as well the general responsibility for the welfare of the cathedral clergy. When in the cathedral, he played the dominant role in all the important ceremonies of the liturgical year, taking the central position in all important processions, celebrating the mass on principal feasts (p. 63).

The wealth and power of medieval deans meant that this office was characterized by more disputes than any other in the cathedral except the treasurership (p. 66).

Under the Constitution and Statutes of York Minster 2000, the Dean is ‘the principal dignitary of the Cathedral Church, next after the Archbishop’. He is chairman of the Chapter and President of the College of Canons. He inducts, installs and enthrones the Archbishop, and installs canons. With the Residentiary Canons the Dean takes his place in presiding at worship and being ‘in residence’. (photograph: Dean J. E. Southgate, Dean and Chapter of York archive)

The Precentor

The title of precentor derives from the cleric who had direct oversight of a cathedral’s liturgy: as 'first singer' the precentor led and organised sung worship. The expansion of cathedrals in the Middle Ages and the numbers of clergy involved meant that the holder of this major dignity became removed from his original function, which was delegated to junior clergy. The title of precentor remained, however, and in recent decades the title and role have become much more closely identified.

Traditionally the precentor ranked second in precedence to the Dean. In the twentieth century at York the order of precedence was altered, and the senior Canon is now decided by date of appointment. However the Dean’s side of the Quire is called decani and the Precentor’s side is cantoris as a reminder of the ancient order. (photograph Canon T. H. Tardrew, Dean and Chapter of York archive)

The Chancellor

In medieval times, the chancellor’s primary duty was to stimulate and supervise the educational and intellectual life of the cathedral (p. 68). It was his responsibility to direct and maintain a tradition of learning at the cathedral.

By the 13th century, the onerous secretarial business of the cathedral was entrusted to a specially appointed chapter clerk (p. 69).

During those times, the chancellor was responsible for supporting and maintaining the Minster’s grammar school. He almost always possessed a doctorate in theology and was expected to give lectures to the clergy of the diocese.

Under the Constitution and Statutes of York Minster 2000, the chancellor ‘shall promote sacred study both in the Cathedral Church and its institutions’. In practice, at present, this is done by the Canon Theologian, and the current Chancellor has a focus on pastoral care and the day to day life of the Minster. (photograph Canon J. Toy, Dean and Chapter of York archive)

The Treasurer

In medieval times, the treasurer’s duties comprised not only the safe-keeping of the church’s plate and relics, but also the maintenance of its fabric and furnishings (p. 74).

The treasurership of York was always one of the wealthiest in England. No position in the church was more eagerly sought after, and none was a source of greater litigation (p. 73).

Since 2000 the Chapter has had a Lay Canon as Treasurer, focussing particularly on the Minster’s financial life. The Treasurer is responsible for the production of a budget and the accounts, giving oversight to the Chief Accountant via the Chapter Steward. (photograph Canon A. C. England, Dean and Chapter of York archive)