As of Friday 6 January 2023, The Very Reverend Dr John Davies has retired as Dean of Wells.
John Davies became the Dean of Wells in 2016 and during his tenure has worked to lead Wells Cathedral during a period of sustained change. His role has been central in developing the work of the Cathedral and its outreach across the County of Somerset and beyond.
The Bishop of Bath and Wells, the Right Reverend Michael Beasley says, “John’s stewardship of Wells Cathedral during the Covid pandemic and fundraising efforts during his tenure – innovative and sometimes personally perilous in equal measure – have increased the profile of the Cathedral and supported its financial position greatly.
“We are thankful for John’s hard work and contribution to the life of Wells Cathedral and the Diocese of Bath and Wells.”
The Dean’s final service at the Cathedral will be the Festal Eucharist for the Feast of Candlemas at 5.15pm on 2 February at which he will preach and preside.
You can read Bishop Michael’s letter to Chapter announcing the Dean’s retirement below.
Announcement from Bishop Michael in relation to the Retirement of the Dean of Wells
“The Very Reverend Doctor John Davies has written to His Majesty, King Charles III, to offer his Deed of Resignation as Dean of Wells. The King has accepted the resignation. This has made possible John’s decision to retire as Dean which took effect from 6 January 2023.
“John became the Dean of Wells in 2016 and during his tenure has worked to lead Wells Cathedral during a period of sustained change. John’s role has been central in developing the work of the Cathedral and its outreach across the County of Somerset and beyond.
“John’s stewardship of Wells Cathedral during the covid pandemic and fundraising efforts during his tenure – innovative and sometimes personally perilous in equal measure – have increased the profile of the Cathedral and supported its financial position greatly.
“We are thankful for John’s hard work and contribution to the life of Wells Cathedral and the Diocese of Bath and Wells. John retires at a watershed moment in the life of the Cathedral and wider Diocese.
“John’s final service will be the Festal Eucharist for the Feast of Candlemas at 5.15 p.m. on 2 February 2023 where John will preach and preside.
“There will be further announcements in relation to the leadership of the Cathedral, as we discern the future together.
“I wish John Godspeed in the next phase of his journey.”
A Service of Farewell
Following the announcement of Dr John Davies’ retirement as Dean, you are warmly invited to a farewell service on the Feast of Candlemas, Thursday 2nd February 2023 at 5.15 p.m., with drinks to follow.
R.S.V.P. by clicking on the button below (deadline: by 31st January 2023). If you would like to contribute to a leaving gift for the Dean, please do so using the details provided on the R.S.V.P. form.
R.S.V.P.
Stewardship through change: Dean John Davies preaches during the Covid-19 pandemic, 2020 (Image: Jason Bryant)
Hope in times of adversity: Dean John Davies joins residents of Vicars’ Close in a clap for carers, 2020 (Image: Jason Bryant)
Caring for the Cathedral: Dean John Davies discusses West Front conservation work in situ with Clerk of the Works, Jez Fry, 2021 (Image: David Bevan)
Community efforts: Bishop Ruth Worsley, the Dean of Wells Cathedral The Very Revd Dr John Davies DL, Caver Chris Jewell, and Artist Philippa Threlfall with her new Ceramic Mural at Wells Museum, 2022 (Image: Jason Bryant)
A ‘personally perilous’ moment: abseiling in aid of SOS Africa and Wells Cathedral, 2019 (Image: Jason Bryant)