Rural Dean

A Church of England clergyman appointed to oversee a rural deanery, a group of neighbouring parishes within an archdeaconry. The rural dean assists the archdeacon and bishop, convenes meetings of local clergy, and helps coordinate pastoral and administrative matters. Although the office is medieval in origin, it became an increasingly useful part of the Church’s organisation during the nineteenth century as diocesan and parish administration was strengthened. Rural deans continue to perform similar functions today.