Dean of Truro explained

The Dean of Truro is the head (primus inter pares – first among equals) and chair of the chapter of canons, the ruling body of Truro Cathedral. The dean and chapter are based at the Cathedral Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Truro. The cathedral is the mother church of the Diocese of Truro and seat of the Bishop of Truro.

History of the Chapter

Upon the foundation of Truro Cathedral the bishop was authorised to establish honorary canonries which Dr, Benson did; these numbered 24. In 1878 a new act of Parliament authorised the bishop to establish residentiary canonries; in 1882 an existing canonry was transferred to Truro from Exeter whose income enabled the provision of two canonries at Truro. In 1906 the office of sub-dean was endowed; the bishop was also the dean (at least until 1925). This was the position until it became possible to fund the office of Dean.^[1]

List of deans

• 1895-1910: Cecil Bourke
• 1952-1959: Joseph Fison
• 1960–1981: Henry Lloyd
• 1982–1997: David Shearlock
• 1998–2005: Michael Moxon
• 2005–2011: Chris Hardwick (resigned)^[2]
• August 20112012: Perran Gay (Acting)
• 22 September 2012^[3] September 2022: Roger Bush (retired end of September 2022)^[4]
• October 2022–January 2024: Simon Robinson (interim dean)
• 21 January 2024present: Simon Robinson^[5]

Notes and References

1. Cooper, Canon (chancellor) "The restoration of the Cornish bishopric", in:The Cornish Church Guide. Truro: Blackford, 1925; pp. 30-50 (the bishop was still dean in 1925)
2. https://archive.today/20120913140618/http://www.thisiscornwall.co.uk/Dean-investigated-relationship-steps/story-13111442-detail/story.html This is Cornwall – Dean investigated over relationship steps down
3. Web site: Truro Cathedral Press Release – New Dean . 27 September 2022 . 20 January 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130120044642/http://www.trurocathedral.org.uk/day-to-day/documents/MediareleaseNewDeanofTruro.doc . dead .
4. Web site: Truro Cathedral . Announcement from the Dean . 7 August 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220927165401/https://www.trurocathedral.org.uk/news/announcement-from-the-dean . 27 September 2022 . 27 September 2022 .
5. Web site: Truro Cathedral . New Dean of Truro officially installed . 24 January 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240124220634/https://www.trurocathedral.org.uk/news/new-dean-of-truro-cathedral-officially-installed . 24 January 2024 . 4 March 2024 .