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.
The current dean is Jessica Martin, since her institution on 5 January 2025.
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 (became Dean)
Deans 2000–2013: Peter Judd (was Provost) 2013–2014: Ivor Moody, Vice Dean (acting) 2014–2023: Nicholas Henshall 2023–2025: Paul Kennington (acting) 2025–present: Jessica Martin
References