Deputy Clerk of the Closet
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The College of Chaplains of the Ecclesiastical Household of the Sovereign of the United Kingdom is under the Clerk of the Closet, an office dating from 1437. It is normally held by a diocesan bishop, who may however remain in office after leaving his see. The Deputy Clerk of the Closet, a new office dating only from 1677 (and permanent only in 1746), is the Domestic Chaplain to the Sovereign, and (since 1931) Sub-dean of the Chapel Royal, and is the sole full-time clerical member of the Household.
From 1746 until 1903 there were three Deputy Clerks. By 1923 there was only one.
The Clerk of the Closet is responsible for advising the Private Secretary to the Sovereign on the names for candidates to fill vacancies in the Roll of Chaplains to the Sovereign. He presents Bishops for Homage to the Sovereign; examines any theological books to be presented to the Sovereign; and preaches annually in the Chapel Royal, St James's Palace. He receives a salary of £7 a year.
[edit] List of Deputy Clerks of the Closet
- Rev'd Prebendary William Booth, LVO 1991-
- Rev'd Canon Anthony Caesar, KCVO 1979-1991
- Rev'd Canon James Mansell, KCVO 1965-1979
- Rev'd Maurice Foxell, KCVO 1948-1965
- Rev'd Wallace Elliott 1941-1948
- Rev'd Launcelot Percival, KCVO 1931-1941
- Very Rev'd Frederic William Farrar, KCVO 1894-1931
