An office found in old foundation cathedrals and collegiate churches, where it was a dignitary with responsibility for overseeing the operation of the sacristan, the bells, and the care of the fabric, fittings, plate, and vestments. After the Reformation the office fell into disuse in some cathedrals, while in the new foundation cathedrals it became effectively the position of bursar, and was held by canons on an annual basis, as such not being recorded in the CCEd.