A
Churchwarden is one of the oldest expressions of lay ministry, which was
legally recognised in England by the thirteenth century. By the fifteenth
century, two churchwardens were chosen in every parish by all the adult
parishioners, at an annual parish meeting, to care for the property of the
church and to be guardians of morality.
Today churchwardens are legally responsible for the fabric and contents of
churches, for maintaining good order in the church and churchyard, for
allocating seats, and for the provision of public worship during periods when
there is no incumbent.
They are technically officers of the bishop and they must account for their
stewardship of the church’s goods to the archdeacon each year.
They work closely together with the incumbent for the welfare of church family
and the life of the parish.
Source: http://www.fawkhamandhartley.org.uk/History/Living%20stones/As%20Living%20Stones%20Part%20IV.PDF