COURT OF ARCHES

COURT OF ARCHES (Curia de Arcubus), the chief and most ancient consistory court belonging to the archiepiscopal see of Canterbury, for the debating of spiritual causes. It is so called from the church of St Mary le Bow (de arcubus), where it was formerly held. The judge of this court, styled the Dean of the Arches, or the Official of the Arches Court, has jurisdiction in all ecclesiastical causes except such as belong to the prerogative court; and all manner of appeals from bishops or their chancellors or commissaries, deans

and chapters, archdeacons, and others, are directed thereto. The dean of the arches has also a peculiar jurisdiction over thirteen parishes in London, called a deanery, which are exempt from the authority of the Bishop of London, and of which the parish of Bow (de arcubus) is the principal. The persons concerned in this court are, the judge, advocates, registrars, proctors, &c.; and the appeal from it is to the king in chancery.