Royal Peculiar


A Royal Peculiar is a Church of England parish or church exempt from the jurisdiction of the diocese and the province in which it lies and subject to the direct jurisdiction of the monarch.

Definition

A "peculiar" is applied to those ecclesiastical districts, parishes, chapels or churches that are outside the jurisdiction of the bishop and archdeacon of the diocese in which they are situated. They include the separate or "peculiar" jurisdiction of the monarch, another archbishop, bishop or the dean and chapter of a cathedral. An Archbishop's Peculiar is subject to the direct jurisdiction of an archbishop and a Royal Peculiar is subject to the direct jurisdiction of the monarch.
The concept dates from Anglo-Saxon times, when a church could ally itself with the monarch and thereby not be subject to the bishop of the area. Later, it reflected the relationship between the Norman and Plantagenet kings and the English Church. Most peculiars survived the Reformation but, with the exception of Royal Peculiars, were finally abolished during the 19th century by various Acts of Parliament and became subject to the jurisdiction of the diocese in which they were, although a few non-royal peculiars still exist. The majority of Royal Peculiars that remain are situated within the Diocese of London.

Present day

London

The following chapels of the Inns of Court are extra-diocesan, and therefore peculiars, but not Royal: