A chaplain in extraordinary was a

chaplain A chaplain is, traditionally, a cleric (such as a Minister (Christianity), minister, priest, pastor, rabbi, purohit, or imam), or a laity, lay representative of a religious tradition, attached to a secularity, secular institution (such as a hosp ...

appointed to the Household of

the British crown The Crown is the state in all its aspects within the jurisprudence of the Commonwealth realms and their subdivisions (such as the Crown Dependencies, overseas territories, provinces, or states). Legally ill-defined, the term has different m ...

. The term was most used under the Stuarts after

the Restoration Restoration is the act of restoring something to its original state and may refer to: * Conservation and restoration of cultural heritage ** Audio restoration ** Film restoration ** Image restoration ** Textile restoration * Restoration ecology ...

, in the 17th century, but lasted with decreasing importance into the 18th and 19th centuries. Royal chaplains were part of the

Ecclesiastical Household The Ecclesiastical Household is a part of the Royal Household of the sovereign of the United Kingdom. Reflecting the different constitutions of the churches of England and Scotland, there are separate households in each nation. England The Church ...

, part of the Royal Household. The positions were prestigious and sought after, such that there would be forty eight chaplains 'in waiting', i.e. actively serving the

Chapel Royal The Chapel Royal is an establishment in the Royal Household serving the spiritual needs of the sovereign and the British Royal Family. Historically it was a body of priests and singers that travelled with the monarch. The term is now also applie ...

, and each would serve for approximately a week of each month over the year. These were paid positions. Further to this were a number of chaplains '

in ordinary ''In ordinary'' is an English phrase with multiple meanings. In relation to the Royal Household, it indicates that a position is a permanent one. In naval matters, vessels "in ordinary" (from the 17th century) are those out of service for repair o ...

' who were considered to share the prestige of the role, but who were not allocated to serve the chapel for a designated week, although they might serve as additional chaplains, such as attending upon the sick in various other places. Additionally there were also 'chaplains in extraordinary'. These were unpaid

sinecure A sinecure ( or ; from the Latin , 'without', and , 'care') is an office, carrying a salary or otherwise generating income, that requires or involves little or no responsibility, labour, or active service. The term originated in the medieval chu ...

positions, yet still desirable owing to their prestige.

Holders of the office

Past holders of the office of chaplain in extraordinary to the Crown have included

Henry Ferne Henry Ferne (1602 – 16 March 1662) was an English bishop. Life Ferne was born in York. He was educated at Uppingham School to which he was sent by Sir Thomas Nevill of Holt who had married his mother. He was admitted to St Mary Hall, Oxf ...

(before 1660),

Thomas Fuller Thomas Fuller (baptised 19 June 1608 – 16 August 1661) was an English churchman and historian. He is now remembered for his writings, particularly his ''Worthies of England'', published in 1662, after his death. He was a prolific author, and ...

(before 1660), Thomas Vane and Eric James. The position still exists today.

References

Extraordinary Positions within the British Royal Household Christianity and society in the United Kingdom {{Christianity-stub