Dean of Wakefield

The Dean of Wakefield is the head (primus inter pares – first among equals) and chair of the chapter of canons, the ruling body of Wakefield Cathedral. The dean and chapter are based at the Cathedral Church of All Saints Wakefield. Before 2000 the post was designated as a provost, which was then the equivalent of a dean at most English cathedrals. The cathedral is one of three co-equal mother churches of the Diocese of Leeds and a seat of the Bishop of Leeds. The current dean is Simon Cowling.^[1]

Wakefield Cathedral

List of provosts and deans

Provosts 1931–1932 William MacLeod 1933–1962 Noel Hopkins 1962–1971 Philip Pare 1972–1982 John Lister 1982–1997 John Allen 1997–2000 George Nairn-Briggs (became Dean)

Deans 2000–2007 George Nairn-Briggs 2007 – 26 November 2017[2] Jonathan Greener[3] (became Dean of Exeter) 2017–2018 (Acting) Tony Macpherson, Sub Dean & Canon Pastor 29 September 2018 – present Simon Cowling[1] (intends to retire 31 July 2025)[4]