The Venerable Anne Gell, Archdeacon of Wells

The Venerable Anne Gell, Archdeacon of Wells, is to step down from her roles in Bath and Wells in May this year. Anne has been Archdeacon of Wells and Residentiary Canon of Wells Cathedral since 2017. She temporarily stepped back from her archdeaconry role between February 2023 and June 2024 to serve as Acting Dean of Wells.

Bishop Michael says, “After serving us faithfully, generously and gracefully for nine years, Anne has decided to move on to take on a new challenge. We are hugely indebted for all that she has given during her time in Bath and Wells. Anne has known, loved and served people in churches and communities across the Wells Archdeaconry. She has also undertaken amazing work within Wells Cathedral, especially during the time Anne served as Acting Dean. Anne has been a much-loved member of our team and we shall miss her enormously.”

Anne says, “I have been in Bath and Wells for nine years, during which there have been many joys and challenges. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here, met and walked alongside some wonderful people, but it feels to be the right time to make some space to hear where God is calling me now, and perhaps to consider aspects of my vocation that I have not recently had chance to explore.”

The Very Revd Toby Wright, Dean of Wells, says, “Through her ministry as Residentiary Canon, as well as her time as Acting Dean of Wells, Anne has brought support, wisdom and healing in times of change for many at Wells Cathedral and throughout the wider community. Anne will be much missed in Wells. We will always remember with gratitude the strong foundations she has established here, on which we can now build confidently for the future. Our prayers are with Anne and her family as she discerns God’s call to her next chapter.”

There will be an opportunity to say farewell to Anne at Wells Cathedral Evensong, on Sunday, 10 May 2026 before she leaves the diocese at the end of May.

Media contacts:

Caroline Gray or Louise Willmot
Communications team
Diocese of Bath and Wells
Tel: 07738 728454/07824 691656
caroline.gray@bathwells.anglican.org
louise.willmot@bathwells.anglican.org

Richard Remington
Director of Marketing & Communications, Wells Cathedral
Telephone: 01749 597145
Mobile: 07717 484828
richard.remington@wellscathedral.org.uk