Historically, Anglican parish clergy were divided into
rectors, vicars and
perpetual curates. These were distinguished according to the way in which they were remunerated. The church was supported by
tithes — taxes (traditionally, as the etymology of
tithe suggests, of ten percent) levied on the agricultural output of the parish. These were divided into
greater tithes levied on wheat, hay and wood, and lesser tithes levied on the remainder. A rector received both greater and lesser tithes, a vicar the lesser tithes only. This was due to the fact that a monastery was the rector – and they supplied a priest to act on their behalf. A perpetual curate received no tithe income and was supported by the
diocese. A perpetual curate was usually in charge of a newly created Parish carved out of a larger rectoral or vicarial parish. In some cases a portion of the tithe income was given to support the priest.