Bishop of Worcester facts for kids

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Coat of arms
Location
Ecclesiastical province	Canterbury
Information
Established	680
Cathedral	Worcester Cathedral

The Bishop of Worcester is a very important leader in the Church of England. They are in charge of the Diocese of Worcester, which is a special area of churches and communities in England. This role has a long history, going all the way back to the year 680!

For many centuries, until the 1500s, the bishops were part of the Roman Catholic Church. But during a big change called the Reformation, the church in England became separate from the Pope and the Roman Catholic Church. Since then, the Bishop and Diocese of Worcester have been part of the Church of England.

The Diocese of Worcester covers most of the county of Worcestershire. This includes the Metropolitan Borough of Dudley and parts of the City of Wolverhampton. The main church for the bishop, called the bishop's throne, is in Worcester at the Cathedral Church of Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary. The bishop's official home is the Old Palace, Worcester. In the past, bishops also had homes outside the city, like Hartlebury Castle and a palace at Alvechurch.

Sometimes, in the early days (from 961 to 1023), the Bishop of Worcester also held the role of Archbishop of York. This happened with bishops like Oswald of Worcester and Ealdwulf.

The current Bishop of Worcester is John Inge.

What is the Bishop of Worcester?

The Bishop of Worcester is the main leader of the Anglican Diocese of Worcester. A diocese is like a church district. The bishop guides the churches and communities within this area. They help make sure everything runs smoothly.

A Long History of Leadership

The role of the Bishop of Worcester began a very long time ago, in the year 680 AD. The first bishop was named Bosel. For many centuries, these bishops were part of the worldwide Roman Catholic Church.

A big change happened in the 1500s during the Reformation. At this time, the church in England separated from the authority of the Pope. Since then, the Bishop of Worcester has been part of the Church of England and the wider Anglican Communion.

Where is the Diocese of Worcester?

The Diocese of Worcester covers a large part of Worcestershire. This includes towns like Dudley and parts of Wolverhampton. The bishop's main church is Worcester Cathedral. This is where the bishop's special chair, called a cathedra, is located. The bishop's official home is a historic building known as the Old Palace, Worcester.

Notable Bishops Through History

Over the centuries, many important people have served as the Bishop of Worcester. Their stories show how the church and England itself have changed.

Early Bishops (Before 1066)

The very first Bishop of Worcester was Bosel, starting in 680. Many early bishops helped establish Christianity in the region. For a time, some bishops, like Oswald of Worcester, also served as the Archbishop of York. This was a very powerful position! Another important early bishop was Wulfstan II, who was later recognized as a saint.

Bishops During Big Changes (1066 to 1559)

After the Norman Conquest in 1066, new bishops took over. These centuries saw many changes in England and the church. Bishops like Walter de Cantilupe and Godfrey Giffard played important roles in their time.

The period of the Reformation brought huge shifts. Bishops like Hugh Latimer were part of the Church of England's break from Rome. Later, Nicholas Heath served as bishop during times when England switched between being Catholic and Protestant.

Bishops After the Reformation (1559 onwards)

After the Reformation, the bishops of Worcester were firmly part of the Church of England. Many of them went on to become leaders in other important dioceses or even Archbishops of Canterbury or York. For example, John Whitgift became Archbishop of Canterbury.

There was a time in the 1600s when the role of bishop was stopped for a while during the Commonwealth period. But it was brought back in 1660. Since then, many bishops have served, helping to guide the church through modern times. The current bishop, John Inge, continues this long line of leadership.

Images for kids

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  Pope Clement VII, who was briefly in charge of the See of Worcester.

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  Girolamo Ghinucci, who was removed as bishop by King Henry VIII.

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  Hugh Latimer, Bishop of Worcester during the Reformation.

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  Nicholas Heath, who served two terms as Bishop of Worcester.

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  John Hooper, Bishop of Worcester and Gloucester.

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  Edwin Sandys, a post-Reformation Bishop of Worcester.

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  John Whitgift, who became Archbishop of Canterbury.

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  Thomas Bilson, Bishop of Worcester.

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  Gervase Babington, Bishop of Worcester.

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  Henry Parry, Bishop of Worcester.

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  John Thornborough, Bishop of Worcester.

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  John Prideaux, who was deprived of his role when the episcopacy was abolished.

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  George Morley, who became Bishop of Winchester.

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  John Gauden, Bishop of Worcester.

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  John Earle, Bishop of Worcester.

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  Walter Blandford, Bishop of Worcester.

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  Edward Stillingfleet, Bishop of Worcester.

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  William Lloyd, Bishop of Worcester.

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  John Hough, Bishop of Worcester.

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  James Johnson, Bishop of Worcester.

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  Brownlow North, Bishop of Worcester.

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  Richard Hurd, Bishop of Worcester.

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  Folliott Cornewall, Bishop of Worcester.

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  Robert Carr, Bishop of Worcester.

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  Henry Pepys, Bishop of Worcester.

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  Henry Philpott, Bishop of Worcester.

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  John Perowne, Bishop of Worcester.

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  Charles Gore, Bishop of Worcester.

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  Huyshe Yeatman-Biggs, Bishop of Worcester.

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  David Walker, who served as acting bishop.

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  John Inge, the current Bishop of Worcester.