Their importance will be self-evident when it is remembered that they embrace in their simple annals:
The authentic facts in the history of the families of the rich and poor.
The clues to the devolution of family and local properties.
Record of the trades, occupations, and social condition of the inhabitants.
Some index to the healthiness and morality of the district.
That records of such singular value should be carefully preserved is evidenced by the requirement that Archdeacons and Rural Deans should, in their Visitations, see that they were properly kept and safely protected; and by the provision that a duplicate copy of all entries should be sent annually to the Diocesan Registry.