Churchwardens’ Accounts

Information about Churchwardens’ Accounts in Durham County Record Office.

Churchwardens are lay officials in charge of the routine running and maintenance of parish churches. The primary job of wardens was to procure and disburse funds for the maintenance of the parish church and other parish buildings. Their books of accounts include the names and professions of workers employed by the church and are a useful source of information for both local and family historians. Sometimes the account books include lists of Church Rate payers.

These records were usually kept in the Parish Chest and have been transferred to the Record Office. Search the Catalogue and type churchwardens accounts in the Keywords box.