James Atwell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Very Reverend James Atwell |
|
|---|---|
| Dean of Winchester | |
Atwell in 2013
|
|
| Church | Church of England |
| Diocese | Diocese of Winchester |
| In Office | 2006–2016 |
| Predecessor | Michael Till |
| Successor | Catherine Ogle |
| Other posts | Dean of St Edmundsbury (1995–2006; Provost until 2000) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 3 June 1946 Calne, Wiltshire, England |
| Died | 12 December 2020 (aged 74) |
| Nationality | British |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Spouse | Lorna Atwell |
| Alma mater | Exeter College, Oxford |
James Edgar Atwell (born June 3, 1946 – died December 12, 2020) was an important English priest. He held a very special job as the Dean of Winchester, which meant he was in charge of the famous Winchester Cathedral.
The Life of James Atwell
James Atwell was born in Calne, England, on June 3, 1946. He grew up and went to school at Dauntsey's School. After that, he continued his studies at Exeter College, Oxford, which is a well-known university.
Becoming a Priest
After university, James decided to become a priest. He went to a special college called Cuddesdon to study theology. In 1971, he was ordained, which means he officially became a priest in the Church of England.
His first jobs as a priest were called curacies. He worked at St John the Evangelist in East Dulwich and then at the Church of St Mary the Great, Cambridge. He also worked as a Chaplain at Jesus College, Cambridge. A chaplain is a priest who works in a school, college, or other institution.
Important Church Roles
After his time in Cambridge, James Atwell became the Vicar of St Lawrence in Towcester. A vicar is a priest in charge of a local church.
Later, he took on even bigger roles. He became the Provost of St Edmundsbury Cathedral. A provost is a senior priest who helps manage a cathedral. In 2000, his title changed automatically to Dean of St Edmundsbury. The Dean is the main leader of a cathedral.
Dean of Winchester
In 2006, James Atwell was given a very important new job. He became the Dean of Winchester. This meant he was the head of Winchester Cathedral, a very old and famous church in England. He officially started this role on March 25, 2006.
He worked as the Dean of Winchester for ten years. In 2016, on February 12, it was announced that he would retire from his role. His retirement officially began on July 14, 2016.
James Atwell passed away on December 12, 2020, at the age of 74.
