"Lord Bishop" is a form of address used for bishops since the Middle Ages, an era when bishops occupied the feudal rank of 'lord' by virtue of their office. It became rare in the late 19th century,[1] although it is sometimes still used in formal circumstances for any diocesan bishop in the Anglican Communion[2] or Roman Catholic Church[3] except in countries, such as the United States, where this title is considered inappropriate.
The full title of the 26 Church of England bishops who sit in the House of Lords as Lords Spiritual is The Right Reverend Prelate the Lord Bishop of ...