9 JULY 2005, Page 41

Q. Two people have written to you and asserted that

rectors and vicars have equal status and have tried to back up their argument using only the vulgar modern yardstick of money. In fact, the two letters disclose that, historically, a vicar has been paid an income, whereas a rector enjoyed an income from land. It is this fact and not the amount of the income that determines their relative social status. A vicar was a mere paid functionary; a rector held a position in society more akin to that of the landed gentry. Your rectory-dwelling informant did not mislead you. Anyone purchasing a rectory rather than a vicarage can feel assured that the rectory has the greater cachet.

H.T., by email A. Thank you for adding this point to the debate.