How the Rector of Farlington Is Appointed
In Farlington, the Rector is not chosen directly by the Bishop. Instead, the appointment is made by the parish’s patrons — individuals or organisations with a long-standing historic connection to the parish.
Today, Farlington has two patrons:
What Is a Patron?
A patron holds the legal right to present a priest to the Bishop for appointment as Rector. This right is called an advowson, a form of property dating back to at least the 12th century.
Originally, the advowson belonged to the lord of the manor who built and endowed the parish church. In return for providing land and income to support the priest, the founder gained the right to nominate the priest who would serve there. A list of Farlington’s historic patrons can still be seen on the north wall of St Andrew’s.
A Brief History of the Farlington Advowson
Advowsons could once be bought and sold, and often provided a significant income. Families sometimes purchased them to secure a future living for a son entering the priesthood. This happened in both Farlington and Wymering, where the Nugee brothers’ great‑great‑grandfather was Vicar after marrying the daughter of the Rector of Farlington in 1854.
In 1846, the Clergy List recorded that the Rector of Farlington received an annual income of £529 plus a house — one of the higher stipends in the area at the time. By contrast, when Purbrook first appeared as a daughter church in 1859, its perpetual curate received only £50 a year.
The Patrons’ Role Today
Once a Rector is instituted, the patrons have no authority over how they carry out their ministry. Their role is simply to make the nomination when a vacancy arises.
They do, however, hope that if there is any way they can offer support or assistance, the Rector will feel free to ask.
In Farlington, the Rector is not chosen directly by the Bishop. Instead, the appointment is made by the parish’s patrons — individuals or organisations with a long-standing historic connection to the parish.
Today, Farlington has two patrons:
- The Nugee Foundation, represented by four brothers who are great‑great‑grandsons of the Revd A. J. Richards. Members of their family served as Rectors of Farlington from 1782 to 1925.
- Mrs Sarah Wynter Bee, granddaughter of Canon Leatherdale, who became Rector in 1925.
What Is a Patron?
A patron holds the legal right to present a priest to the Bishop for appointment as Rector. This right is called an advowson, a form of property dating back to at least the 12th century.
Originally, the advowson belonged to the lord of the manor who built and endowed the parish church. In return for providing land and income to support the priest, the founder gained the right to nominate the priest who would serve there. A list of Farlington’s historic patrons can still be seen on the north wall of St Andrew’s.
A Brief History of the Farlington Advowson
Advowsons could once be bought and sold, and often provided a significant income. Families sometimes purchased them to secure a future living for a son entering the priesthood. This happened in both Farlington and Wymering, where the Nugee brothers’ great‑great‑grandfather was Vicar after marrying the daughter of the Rector of Farlington in 1854.
In 1846, the Clergy List recorded that the Rector of Farlington received an annual income of £529 plus a house — one of the higher stipends in the area at the time. By contrast, when Purbrook first appeared as a daughter church in 1859, its perpetual curate received only £50 a year.
The Patrons’ Role Today
Once a Rector is instituted, the patrons have no authority over how they carry out their ministry. Their role is simply to make the nomination when a vacancy arises.
They do, however, hope that if there is any way they can offer support or assistance, the Rector will feel free to ask.