Legal Definitions - preces primariae

Preces primariae refers to a historical prerogative, or special right, held by a monarch upon their ascension to the throne. This right allowed the newly crowned sovereign to make an initial appointment to a specific type of vacant ecclesiastical (church) office, known as a prebend. A prebend was typically a position within a cathedral or collegiate church that provided an income or stipend to the holder, often without requiring extensive duties. The exercise of preces primariae was a way for a new monarch to assert authority, reward loyal supporters, or establish influence within the church hierarchy early in their reign.

• Example 1: Rewarding a Loyal Advisor

  Imagine a new king, having just secured his crown after a period of political instability, wishes to reward a trusted advisor who provided crucial support during his succession. Upon discovering that a prebendary position at a prominent cathedral has become vacant shortly after his coronation, the king exercises his preces primariae. He appoints his loyal advisor to this position, granting the advisor a secure income and a respected title within the church, even if the advisor's primary role remains political.

  Explanation: This illustrates preces primariae because the new sovereign, immediately after ascending the throne, uses his unique right to fill a vacant church office (the prebend) with a person of his choosing, in this case, to reward loyalty.

• Example 2: Establishing Influence within the Church

  Consider a young queen who has recently inherited the throne and seeks to consolidate her power and ensure the church supports her policies. She learns that a wealthy prebendary stall, which carries significant influence within a powerful diocese, has become available. Utilizing her preces primariae, the queen appoints a cleric known for his strong allegiance to the crown and his support for her reform agenda. This strategic appointment helps her to place a sympathetic voice within the church leadership early in her reign.

  Explanation: Here, the queen, as the new sovereign, employs her right of preces primariae to appoint an individual to a vacant prebendary office shortly after her accession, demonstrating its use for political and ecclesiastical influence.

• Example 3: Royal Patronage of Scholarship

  During the early years of a new monarch's reign, a renowned scholar and theologian, who has dedicated his life to studying ancient texts, finds himself in need of financial support to continue his work. The monarch, a patron of learning, learns of a vacant prebendary position that offers a comfortable income with relatively light duties. Exercising his preces primariae, the monarch appoints the scholar to this prebend. This allows the scholar to continue his academic pursuits under royal patronage, enhancing the cultural prestige of the new reign.

  Explanation: This example shows the new monarch using the right of preces primariae to appoint a scholar to a vacant prebendary office shortly after taking the throne, illustrating how the right could be used for cultural patronage as well as political or personal reward.