Annates

Annates, or FIRST-FRUIT, in the ecclesiastical law of England, meant the value of every spiritual living for a whole year, which the pope, claiming the disposition of every spiritual benefice within Christendom, reserved out of every living. This impost was at first only levied from persons appointed to bishoprics, but was afterwards extended to the inferior clergy. It was abolished in 1534, and in the following year the right to annates was annexed to the crown. The fund thus arising was administered for the benefit of the Church of England. It was transferred to the governors of Queen Anne's Bounty, and afterwards to the Ecclesiastical Commissioners. For the purposes to which it is now applied, see ECCLESIASTICAL COMMISSIONERS.