This volume is a composite index of the Records of Convocation arranged under four major headings - sources, references, names/places and subjects. For the most part, the entries are straightforward, but the following remarks will make it easier for the reader to find the relevant material quickly and get the best use from it. The volumes are indicated by Roman numerals in bold type, as follows. For the principles determining the volume divisions see Volume XIX.

The diocese of Sodor and Man

The province of Canterbury

The province of York

The Church of Ireland

Each volume contains its own set of indexes, which have been combined in a standardized format, according to the following principles.

Index of sources

This index is subdivided according to the types of source use, beginning with the episcopal registers and continuing with those of the different cathedral chapters, before going on to other manuscripts and printed sources.

Episcopal registers

For particulars of these, readers should consult David M. Smith, Guide to the bishops* registers of England and Wales (London, 1981), along with the supplement issued by the Borthwick Institute (York, 2004). The registers are listed here in chronological order according to the following scheme:

Canterbury, London and Winchester

The other dioceses of the province of Canterbury in alphabetical order York, Durham and Carlisle

The Irish dioceses in alphabetical order

Chapter registers, etc.

These include the registers of the dean/prior and chapter of each diocese and occasionally other records of an essentially diocesan character. The order is the same as above, except that Lichfield and Wells occur in their proper order and not under Coventry or Bath. Note also that the registers of Beverley Minster are placed at the end of the York section.

Other manuscript sources

These are listed alphabetically by place and repository. Thus, for example, under London, the British Library is followed by the Inner Temple Library, Lambeth Palace Library and so on. Note that from April 2003 the Public Record Office has been known as the National Archives and is given accordingly. The provinces of Canterbury and York are taken together and placed first, followed by Ireland and foreign repositories.