The Archdeacon of Lancaster is a senior ecclesiastical officer within the Diocese of Blackburn. Originally created in the Diocese of Manchester it became part of the new Diocese of Blackburn in 1926. As Archdeacon he or she is responsible for the disciplinary supervision of the clergy within the seven area deaneries: Blackpool, Garstang, Kirkham, Lancaster & Morecambe, Poulton, Preston and Tunstall. The post was created, simultaneously with Manchester diocese, from the Archdeaconry of Chester on 31 August 1847 but remained unfilled until 1870; and is currently vacant.