Apostolic Vicariate of the Midland District facts for kids

The Apostolic Vicariate of the Midland District (later called the Central District) was a special area of the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales. It was led by a leader called an apostolic vicar, who was a titular bishop (a bishop with a title but no actual diocese). The Midland District was created in 1688. Its name changed to the Central District in 1840. This district was closed in 1850 and was replaced by two new church areas.

Why was this district created?

After Queen Elizabeth I became queen, bishops in England had to choose. They could either agree that the Queen was the head of the church (the Oath of Supremacy) or stay loyal to the Pope. Those who stayed loyal to the Pope lost their positions. They were replaced by priests from the Church of England. Many of these bishops were put in prison. Some left the country to continue their work. The last of these bishops, Thomas Goldwell, died in Rome in 1585.

How did the Church restart in England?

In 1623, Pope Urban VIII decided to appoint a bishop for England again. This bishop was Dr William Bishop, who became the first Apostolic Vicar of England. He died soon after. Dr Richard Smith took his place. But in 1631, Dr Smith had to resign and flee to France. The position remained empty until 1685. Then, Dr John Leyburn was appointed as the new Apostolic Vicar.

How was England divided for the Church?

In 1623, Dr Bishop divided England into six areas. He put a leader in charge of each area. Later, Dr Leyburn reduced these six areas to four.

The creation of the Midland District

On January 20, 1688, Pope Innocent XI decided to have four bishops in England. This meant the original single area was split up. The Apostolic Vicariate of the London District was one part. The Midland District was created, along with the Northern and Western Districts.

The first leader of the Midland District was Bishop Bonaventure Giffard. He started on January 30, 1688. In 1703, he moved to lead the London District.

What counties were in the Midland District?

The Midland District covered many historic counties. These included Cambridgeshire, Derbyshire, Huntingdonshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Rutland, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Suffolk, Warwickshire, and Worcestershire.

Changes to the Midland District

The Midland District continued to exist for many years. In 1840, the four existing districts were divided even further. The Midland District was renamed the Central District on July 3, 1840. However, it lost some of its counties. These counties were Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Northamptonshire, and Rutland. They became part of the new Eastern District.

The Central District lasted only ten years. On September 29, 1850, Pope Pius IX created thirteen new dioceses (church areas). This event is known as the restoration of the English hierarchy. The Diocese of Birmingham was one of these new areas. It officially replaced the Central District.

The last Apostolic Vicar of the Midland District was Bishop Thomas Walsh. From 1840 to 1847, he held the new title of Vicar Apostolic of the Central District.

Who became the Bishop of Birmingham?

Bishop Walsh was followed by William Bernard Ullathorne. He became the Apostolic Vicar of the Central District. On September 29, 1850, he received the new title of Bishop of Birmingham. Later, in 1911, the title became the Metropolitan Archbishop of Birmingham.

List of Apostolic Vicars

Apostolic Vicars of the Midland District

Apostolic Vicars of the Central District

See also

• Catholic Church by country
• Catholic Church hierarchy
• Catholic Church in England and Wales
• Lists of patriarchs, archbishops, and bishops
• Roman Catholic bishops
• Roman Catholicism in England and Wales