28 MAY 2005, Page 52

Q. I am house-hunting in the West Country at the

moment and am about to brief a property search agency to do the groundwork for me. Can you tell me what is the distinction between a vicarage and a rectory?

N.M., London W8 A. A rectory is bigger and grander than a vicarage since a rector enjoys superior rank to a vicar. You will find there are more vicarages available than rectories. It is a sorry business that any of them should be available for secular use.