Statute of Provisors
Quick Summary
The Statute of Provisors, enacted in England in 1351, was a piece of legislation aimed at limiting the Pope's power to appoint individuals to church offices (benefices) within England. This statute asserted the rights of the English crown and its patrons to present their own candidates for these positions, rather than accepting papal appointments, which were often referred to as "provisions".1
The statute was a significant assertion of royal authority over ecclesiastical appointments and was part of a broader trend of increasing national control over church affairs, particularly in the lead-up to the English Reformation. It aimed to prevent foreign influence and ensure that benefices were filled by those deemed suitable by English authorities.12
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Edward IIIThe years of decline: 1360–77…had been the Statutes of Provisors (1351) and Praemunire (1353), which reflected popular hostility against foreign clergy. These measures were frequently reenacted, and Edward formally repudiated (1366) the feudal supremacy over England still claimed by the papacy.
Read More…had been the Statutes of Provisors (1351) and Praemunire (1353), which reflected popular hostility against foreign clergy. These measures were frequently reenacted, and Edward formally repudiated (1366) the feudal supremacy over England still claimed by the papacy.
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United KingdomDomestic achievementsThe Statute of Provisors of 1351 set up statutory procedures against the unpopular papal practice of making appointments to church benefices in England, and the Statute of Praemunire two years later forbade appeals to Rome in patronage disputes. The crown in practice had sufficient weapons available…
Read MoreThe Statute of Provisors of 1351 set up statutory procedures against the unpopular papal practice of making appointments to church benefices in England, and the Statute of Praemunire two years later forbade appeals to Rome in patronage disputes. The crown in practice had sufficient weapons available…
Read More