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The West Yorkshire Archive Service is looking into devising a classification
scheme for the records of the three Church of England dioceses for which it
acts as diocesan record office (Bradford, Wakefield and Ripon & Leeds).  Of
the three dioceses, only the Ripon archives are currently listed using a
classification scheme devised in the 1950s.  It is hoped that this
classification scheme can be adapted for future deposits and the two other
dioceses, rather than being completely dismantled (for obvious reasons).
However, the scheme was originally conceived as an arrangement of the older
records of the diocese, in particular the inherited records of the
archdeaconry of Richmond, which date from 1474.  This classification scheme
as it stands in no way reflects the structure of a modern diocese.

Whilst we believe we have copies of most of the published diocesan
catalogues, these all relate to ancient dioceses and do not usually include
twentieth century material.  Like Ripon (founded 1836), Wakefield (1888) and
Bradford (1919) are both modern dioceses whose structure and record series
are in many ways radically different from the traditional functions of the
diocesan establishment.  I would therefore be interested to hear from anyone
who has any advice concerning the listing of modern diocesan material.
Copies of any lists for modern diocesan and archdeaconry material would be
especially welcome for comparison, either by e-mail or to the
postal address below.

With thanks,

Alexandra Eveleigh
Archivist

West Yorkshire Archive Service: Wakefield Headquarters
Registry of Deeds
Newstead Road
Wakefield
WF1 2DE
E-mail [log in to unmask]