PATRON

For many centuries the Lords of the Manor, successively the Neville, de Bohun and de la Pole (Earls & Dukes of Suffolk) families, held the Advowson (the right to present clergy to the Benefice). In the early 16th century the Advowson was forfeited to the Crown, by whom it is still held in right of the Duchy of Lancaster. In 1976 the benefices of Langham and adjacent Boxted were united, the Bishop of Chelmsford and the Duchy becoming joint patrons of the United Benefice and presenting alternately.