Definition of the word civil parish

The term "civil parish" originated in England during the Middle Ages as a system of local government known as the "hundred" was established. The hundred was a administrative unit consisting of a group of villages or townships responsible for providing services like law enforcement and maintaining roads. As the population grew and villages became more populous, smaller communities within the hundred known as "parishes" were established. These churches and their surrounding areas became the center of religious and social life in the community, as well as a hub for community services like education and healthcare. In the 19th century, the role of the hundred was greatly reduced, and parishes began to serve as the primary unit of local government in rural areas. They were responsible for managing resources like roads, schools, and cemeteries, and were accountable to a higher governing body called a county council. The term "civil" was added to distinguish these parishes from ecclesiastical parishes, which were associated with the Anglican Church. Civil parishes continue to serve as important units of local governance in many English-speaking countries with a similar legal system, such as Canada, Australia, and Ireland.