The usual meaning of the word ‘rectory’ is ‘the house or residence of a rector’.1
A ‘rector’ is a clergyman or priest 2
The etymology of rector seems to be more secular:
from Latin rector “ruler, governor, guide,” from rect-, pp. stem of regere “to rule, guide” (see regal). Used originally of Roman governors and God, by 18c. generally restricted to clergymen and college heads.3
Rectory of where?
Which Church would the Rectory be attached to?
I don’t know whether there is still a Rectory in Rectory Road.
It could have been, or still be, attached to any of the churches in the city centre, but the most likely candidates would probably be:
- the Elim Christian Centre in Dew’s Road
- Saint Paul’s, on the Roundabout
- the Emmanuel Church in Wilton Road
- the now defunct Saint Clement’s Church
