Dean of Chelmsford

The Dean of Chelmsford is the head (primus inter pares – first among equals) and chair of the Cathedral Chapter, the governing body of Chelmsford Cathedral, the Cathedral Church of St Mary the Virgin, St Peter and St Cedd. Before 2000 the post was designated as a provost, which was then the equivalent of a dean at most English cathedrals. The cathedral is the mother church of the Diocese of Chelmsford and seat of the Bishop of Chelmsford. The Dean of Chelmsford is also responsible for the Chapel of St Peter-on-the-Wall at Bradwell-on-Sea, founded by St Cedd, among the oldest church buildings in regular use in England.

Chelmsford Cathedral

Nicholas Henshall was Dean until 23 February 2023 and Paul Kennington^[1] took over as acting Dean then.

List of provosts and deans

Provosts 1929–1949: William Morrow 1949-1951: Charles Waller 1951–1966: Eric Gordon 1966–1977: Connop Price 1978–1981: Dick Herrick 1982–1996: John Moses 1997–2000: Peter Judd[2] (became Dean)

Deans 2000 – 6 October 2013: Peter Judd October 2013 – February 2014: Ivor Moody, Vice Dean (Acting) February 2014 – February 2023 (res.): Nicholas Henshall (returned to parish ministry)[3] February 2023 – present: Paul Kennington (Acting) January 2025: Jessica Martin (announced)[4]

References

1. https://www.chelmsford.anglican.org/news/article/the-very-revd-paul-kennington-appointed-as-acting-dean-of-chelmsford ^{[bare URL]}
2. "Churches Conservation Trust – Peter Judd". Archived from the original on 22 February 2012. Retrieved 21 February 2012.
3. "Licensing of Fr Nicholas Henshall". St Thomas the Apostle, New Groombridge. Archived from the original on 10 March 2023. Retrieved 10 March 2023.
4. "Jessica Martin to be the next Dean of Chelmsford". Diocese of Chelmsford. 28 June 2024. Archived from the original on 4 July 2024. Retrieved 4 August 2024.