What does the Dean do?
The Dean is the leading clergyperson in the Cathedral and most senior priest in the diocese. The Dean chairs the governing body of the Cathedral (called the Chapter) and is also part of the Bishop’s Management Group (the bishop's senior advisers).
Who is the Dean of Peterborough?
The Very Revd Chris Dalliston was installed as Dean of Peterborough in January 2018. Prior to taking up his appointment he was Dean of Newcastle for 14 years, where he oversaw significant improvements in the Cathedral’s facilities for visitors and worshippers, and led a partnership with the City Council and others to re-invigorate the historic heart of the city.
Chris has his roots in the East of England. He grew up in Norfolk, studied at Cambridge University and served in the Diocese of Chelmsford for the first 12 years of his ministry. Before going to Newcastle he was Vicar of St Botolph’s Church at Boston in Lincolnshire (known as ‘the Stump’) from 1995-2003.
Chris was born in 1956 and brought up at Diss in Norfolk. He studied Modern History at Peterhouse, Cambridge, then worked for the Ford Motor Company from 1978 to 1981 before entering St Stephen's House, Oxford to study theology and train for ordination. He was ordained Deacon in 1984 and Priest in 1985, and served his curacy at St Andrew with Holy Trinity, Halstead, Essex. From 1987 to 1991 he was Chaplain to the Bishop of Chelmsford, and from 1991 to 1995 Vicar of St Edmund’s Church at Forest Gate in London.
Chris is married to Michelle and has four adult children, Alex, Tom, Georgie, and Bella. Michelle is also ordained and currently serves as the Interim Associate Vicar at Higham Ferrers. He lists poetry and music (especially jazz, folk and opera) among his interests. He and Michelle love Italy and all things Italian. He is a keen follower of Formula 1 and a (very) long suffering supporter of Norwich City FC.
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