The Dean of Southwell is the head (primus inter pares – first among equals) and chair of the chapter of canons, the ruling body of Southwell Minster. The dean and chapter are based at the Cathedral and Parish Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Southwell, Nottinghamshire. Before 2000 the post was designated as a provost: the title was then the equivalent of dean (the title used at most English cathedrals) where the cathedral was also a parish church. The cathedral is the mother church of the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham and seat of the Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham. The current Dean is the is the Very Reverend Dr Stephen Evans who took up the role on 19 April 2026 having previously served as the as Rector of St Marylebone, London.
List of deans
Provosts 1931–1945 William Conybeare 1945–1969 Hugh Heywood 1970–1978 John Pratt 1978–1991 Murray Irvine 1991–19 March 2000 David Leaning (became Dean)
Deans 19 March 2000–2006 David Leaning 8 September 2007 – 30 June 2014 (ret.) John Guille 30 June 2014 – 17 September 2016: Nigel Coates (Acting) 17 September 2016 – September 2024: Nicola SullivanDiocese of Southwell & Nottingham — New Dean of Southwell announced (Accessed 4 April 2016)Diocese of Bath & Wells — Farewell service for Archdeacon Nicola (Accessed 30 June 2016) 4 November 2024 — 19 April 2026: Neil Evans (interim) 19 April 2026 - present: Stephen Evans (announced)
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