The Dean of Wakefield is the head (primus inter pares – first among equals) and chair of the chapter of canons, the ruling body of Wakefield Cathedral. The dean and chapter are based at the Cathedral Church of All Saints Wakefield. Before 2000 the post was designated as a provost, which was then the equivalent of a dean at most English cathedrals. The cathedral is one of three co-equal mother churches of the Diocese of Leeds and a seat of the Bishop of Leeds. The most recent dean was Simon Cowling.Wakefield Cathedral — New Dean for Wakefield Cathedral (Accessed 29 May 2018)
List of provosts and deans
Provosts 1931–1932 William MacLeod 1933–1962 Noel Hopkins 1962–1971 Philip Pare 1972–1982 John Lister 1982–1997 John Allen 1997–2000 George Nairn-Briggs (became Dean)
Deans 2000–2007 George Nairn-Briggs 200726 November 2017Wakefield Cathedral — Dean of Wakefield on the Move (Accessed 24 September 2017) Jonathan GreenerWakefield Cathedral – Cathedral Clergy (became Dean of Exeter) 2017–2018 (Acting) Tony Macpherson, Sub Dean & Canon Pastor 29 September 201831 July 2025 Simon Cowling
References
Sources “Who was Who” 1897-2007 London, A & C Black, 2007 The Times, Thursday, Nov 10, 1932; pg. 1; Issue 46287; col A Death of the first Provost of Wakefield Photo of Jonathan Greener Cathedral web-site