Last updated 8th March 2022
Chancel repair liability (CRL) is a long-standing and legally enforceable liability to repair – or to contribute to the cost of repair of – the chancel (usually the easternmost part) of a parish church.
Some chancel repair liability is attached to the ownership of particular pieces of land. That is because the land in question originally formed part of a rectory (an endowment including land to support the priest who serves a parish) or because it otherwise represents property that originally formed part of a rectory.
As this topic is complex legal matter, the Church of England has produced a useful frequently asked questions document.
The Diocesan Registry produced advice for PCCs in August 2012, that was updated in November 2012. Dr Kathy Whyte, a historical geographer, undertook research at the National Archives at Kew and was able to determine which churches in the Diocese are most likely to benefit from chancel repair liability:
Dr Whyte gave a presentation in 2013.