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Archiver > DEVON > 1999-11 > 0942310772


From: "Jan Wood" <>
Subject: Query regarding Clerk with no cure of souls
Date: Thu, 11 Nov 1999 08:59:32 -0000


Bronwyn of Townsville Qld. Aust. asked the following:

What on earth does this occupation mean: A.M. Clerk No Cure of Souls.

The man concerned was a cleric or clergyman of the Church of England. He
held the educational qualification of "Master of Arts" (A.M.; or today
often termed M.A.) and was therefore most likely a graduate of Oxford or
Cambridge University. "No Cure of souls" means that he was not at that time
appointed to a position in any parish; either as a Curate, Vicar etc. To
hold a "Cure of souls" is to have the care of souls - to be in spiritual
charge of parishioners. From the Latin noun "cura" - care.
If you wish to find out more about this man's education and possibly his
career, you should look for him in the following published lists of Oxford
and Cambridge alumni (former pupils or students):
For Cambridge: J. Venn and J.A. Venn, Alumni Cantabrigiensis Part II,
1752-1900
For Oxford: Joseph Foster, Alumni Oxoniensis, 1715-1886
These will probably not be available in Townsville!! You may have to try
the Queensland State Library in Brisbane - they may be able to direct you
elsewhere if they cannot help. Otherwise, with adequate information,
someone on this or other mail-lists may be able to check these references in
a large public or university library or perhaps at the Society of
Genealogists? The Crockford's Clerical Directory, which published
information on clergymen annually during the 19th and 20th century, may
also help you.
Jan Wood
Tickhill
Doncaster UK

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