The Cathedral Chapter is the traditional name for the governing body of the Cathedral. It is made up of five clerical canons and four lay members of Chapter. Together they are responsible for the governance of Wells Cathedral. The Chapter is advised by its architect, archaeologist and the Cathedral Council and by specialist groups such as the Fabric Advisory Committee (FAC) and the Finance and Investment Advisory Committee (FIAC).
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The Very Revd Dr John Davies DL
Dr John Davies became Dean of Wells in 2016. He chairs the Wells Cathedral Chapter, is a member of the Bishop’s senior staff team in the diocese and is a governor of Wells Cathedral School. He has strong interests in theology and the role of the church in today’s society.
The Dean: The Very Revd Dr John Davies DL
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Canon Nicholas Jepson-Biddle
Ordained in 1998, Nicholas has been Chaplain to a Bishop and Vicar of parishes in Brighton and London. At Wells, he directs the Cathedral’s daily worship and special services and oversees the Musical Foundation on behalf of the Chapter. Nicholas has a strong love of music, particularly conducting and singing.
The Precentor: The Revd Canon Nicholas Jepson-Biddle
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The Revd Dr Rob James
Rob trained for ordination at Westcott House in Cambridge before undertaking a curacy in Suffolk. After a stint in the Civil Service he was then a Vicar in Gloucestershire before coming to Wells Cathedral. He has also taught theology and religious studies for various institutions. At Wells, Rob’s main task is to oversee the Education and Outreach aspects of the Cathedral’s life.
The Chancellor: The Revd Canon Dr Rob James
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Canon Anne Gell
Anne works with the diocesan Bishop and his staff to encourage and serve the ministry and mission of parish churches in terms of clergy appointments and the care of church buildings and their contents. She ministers with the 85 clergy and nearly 400 churchwardens to develop the diocesan mission strategy.
The Archdeacon of Wells: The Venerable Anne Gell
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Canon Rosalind Paul
Rosalind trained for ordination at Ripon College Cuddesdon, after degrees in English, business and psychology, and training as a counsellor and as a spiritual director. Her initial career was as a secondary school teacher of English, which she left to become a lecturer in English at one of the universities in Paris. After 10 years there, she went into university administration at the University of Cambridge. Her curacy was spent just outside Falmouth in Cornwall, from where she moved to spend 9 years as the Rector of 4 rural parishes in Suffolk; for her last 2 years there she was also Rural Dean of Hadleigh. In addition, she was an IME 2 Tutor and Diocesan Vocations Discerner, having trained as an Education Adviser for Bishops’ Advisory Panels, and Secretary of the Diocesan Advisory Group on the Ministry of Healing and Reconciliation.
The Canon Pastor: The Revd Canon Rosalind Paul
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Prebendary Dr Alison Perham
Alison has a background in the NHS. Working as a specialist in Palliative Medicine, she’s now a trustee of St Margaret’s Hospice in Somerset. She has lived in three Cathedral cities – Norwich, Derby and Gloucester – and worshipped at the Cathedral in each, before joining the Wells Cathedral congregation.
Lay Member: Prebendary Dr Alison Perham
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Prebendary Tim Wilson
Tim has a long career in heritage management, working with the Palace of Westminster, European Commission and National Trust. He is particularly interested in gardens. From a Japanese project to his role in converting listed buildings at Bristol Zoo Gardens, he has worked around the world to improve visitor access.
Lay Member: Prebendary Tim Wilson
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