Legal Definitions - guardian of the temporalities

A Guardian of the Temporalities is a person who is responsible for taking care of the secular possessions of a vacant see or abbey. This is a position in Ecclesiastical law, and it is appointed by the Crown.

The secular possessions that are under the care of a Guardian of the Temporalities include land, revenue, and tenements that are annexed to the sees of archbishops and bishops.

For example, when a bishop dies or retires, the Guardian of the Temporalities is appointed to take care of the secular possessions of the bishopric until a new bishop is appointed. During this time, the Guardian of the Temporalities is responsible for managing the land, revenue, and tenements that are associated with the bishopric.

Another example is when an abbey becomes vacant. The Guardian of the Temporalities is appointed to take care of the secular possessions of the abbey until a new abbot is appointed. During this time, the Guardian of the Temporalities is responsible for managing the land, revenue, and tenements that are associated with the abbey.

Overall, the Guardian of the Temporalities is an important position in Ecclesiastical law, and it plays a crucial role in managing the secular possessions of vacant sees and abbeys.