THE Dean of Worcester, the Very Reverend Peter Atkinson has retired after more than 16 years in the post.

The Dean also spent  43 years as a priest in the Church of England and his resignation was accepted by Queen Elizabeth II very shortly before her death.

He was installed as Dean of Worcester in 2007.

Born and brought up in Kent, he studied in Oxford, Cambridge, and Rome, before he was ordained deacon in 1979, and priest in 1980.

He married Lynne in 1983, and they have three children and three (soon to be four) grandchildren. They are now moving to Kirkbymoorside in North Yorkshire.

The Dean has been the Master of St Oswald’s Hospital, the ancient almshouses in the Tything, as well as a governor of the King’s School, a member of the Worcester Conservation Area Panel, and a trustee of the Worcester Festival.

For ten years there was an annual Shakespeare production in the Cathedral, in which Peter always had a part. In 2014 he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Letters by the University of Worcester.

Marking his retirement, he said: “To have been Dean of Worcester has been the great privilege of my life.

"My family and I have lived in the centre of an historic city, and at the heart of a beautiful county.

"I have had a small share in the custodianship of one of England’s great cathedrals and been surrounded by a wonderful team of people.

"I thank God for all that I have learnt during my time here, and I will continue to pray for the Cathedral under the leadership of a new dean.”

The Vice-Dean of Worcester, Canon Stephen Edwards, has been appointed Interim Dean by the Bishop of Worcester, and will serve in the role until a new Dean is appointed and installed.

Canon Edwards said: "The Cathedral has been greatly blessed by Peter in so many ways over the past 16 years.

"His ministry has brought superb preaching and public speaking, the counsel of a wise priest, and connections and engagement across the city and region.

"All these gifts, together with his leadership, friendship, and generosity as Dean of Worcester, have inspired and nurtured so many people.

"In this and so much more his achievements and his oversight are admired with great appreciation and fondness. We pray for Peter and Lynne as they leave Worcester and enjoy their retirement."

A special Evensong will be held at the Cathedral at 4pm on Sunday, September 10, to mark the Dean’s retirement. 

The Cathedral’s Guild of Bellringers will also ring a full peal from 12pm to 4pm to celebrate Peter’s time in post.