Legal Definitions - decimae rectoriae

Decimae rectoriae refers to a historical legal concept within ecclesiastical law, specifically describing certain fixed tithes (a tenth part of income or produce) that were legally owed and paid directly to the parson, or parish priest, of a local church. These were considered 'parsonage tithes' because they supported the parson's livelihood and the upkeep of the parish. A key characteristic of these tithes was that the right to collect them was enduring and could not be lost simply because they hadn't been collected for a long time (a legal concept known as prescription).

• Example 1: The Medieval Farmer's Obligation

  Imagine a farmer in 16th-century England who cultivates a field within a specific parish. After harvesting his wheat, a fixed portion, typically one-tenth of his yield, was legally due to the local parson as decimae rectoriae. This payment was not a voluntary donation but a mandatory, established obligation tied to his farming activities within that parish, ensuring the parson had a consistent source of income to perform his duties.

• Example 2: Land Ownership and Enduring Duty

  Consider a large estate in the 18th century. If the owner of this manor sold a portion of their land to a new proprietor, the new landowner would still be obligated to pay decimae rectoriae from the produce of that land to the parish priest. The right of the church to receive these tithes was so strong that it didn't disappear just because the land changed hands or if the previous owner had neglected to pay for a few years; the obligation was inherent to the land itself.

• Example 3: Funding the Parish Priest

  In a small, rural parish during historical times, the local parson's primary source of income and the means to maintain his position and serve the community came from these decimae rectoriae. Parishioners, whether they were farmers, millers, or other producers, were legally bound to contribute a fixed portion of their output directly to him, thereby ensuring the continuous financial support for the spiritual leadership and services provided by the parish church.