The Archdeacon of Dorset is a senior ecclesiastical officer within the Diocese of Salisbury. As such he or she is responsible for the disciplinary supervision of the clergy within its five area deaneries: Blackmore Vale, Purbeck, Poole and Milton & Blandford.
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History
The role of archdeacons within the diocese of Salisbury originated around the time of the Norman Conquest; the first recorded archdeacon titled Archdeacon of Dorset occurs as an officer of that diocese from the mid-12th century. The archdeaconry was transferred to the diocese of Bristol upon her creation on 4 June 1542, and later returned to Salisbury diocese by Order in Council on 7 October 1836.
The post is currently held by Antony MacRow-Wood, following the appointment of Stephen Waine as Dean of Chichester.