The Catholic Record Society

The Catholic Record Society (CRS) is a UK nonprofit organization dedicated to the study of the peri- and post-Reformation Catholic Church in England and Wales. Founded in 1904, it is recognized as "the premier Catholic historical society in the United Kingdom." The CRS operates under Charity Number 313529, aiming to advance education in connection with the history of Roman Catholicism in the British Isles since the Reformation.

History and Purpose

The CRS was initially established as a text publication society with the goal of publishing Catholic historical records. Its early active members included Joseph Gillow, J. H. Pollen, and Joseph S. Hansom. Over the years, the CRS has continued as a membership organization, fostering research and interest in Catholic history among its UK and international members.

Activities and Publications

The society's activities include the collation and review of articles for inclusion in its journal and the publication of manuscripts and other texts. Its flagship journal, British Catholic History, is published by Cambridge University Press and serves as a leading forum for innovative scholarship on British and Irish Catholicism. The journal covers a broad spectrum of historical research from the 15th century to the present day, highlighting both national and international dimensions of British Catholic history.

In addition to its journal, the CRS has published over ninety records volumes, which form a unique collection of primary source material essential for scholars studying the history of the Catholic Church in the British Isles. The society also publishes monographs addressing specific topics or prominent Catholic individuals in public life.

Membership

Members of the CRS play a vital role in promoting research and general interest in Catholic history. Membership benefits include receiving two issues of British Catholic History annually and access to any record series volumes published by the society. Members also participate in networking, annual conferences, and access to a closed online community.

Governance and Financials

The Catholic Record Society is governed by a council of trustees, with no remuneration paid to its trustees. The society's financial activities focus on supporting its publishing and educational initiatives, with its latest reported income and expenditure totaling £40,317 and £30,537, respectively.

Impact

The CRS has significantly contributed to making obscure archival material more accessible, thereby enriching historical research on Catholicism in the British Isles. Its work continues to connect scholars, researchers, and enthusiasts across the globe, fostering a deeper understanding of Catholic history and its global implications.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Record_Society [2] https://www.crs.org.uk [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/313529 [4] https://www.crs.org.uk/membership [5] https://www.cambridge.org/core/series/catholic-record-society-records-series/5672B741477617DD98FFA56941BB73DE