The Right Revd Philip Mounstephen Bishop of Winchester and the Chapter of Winchester Cathedral are delighted to announce that the Revd Canon Chris Palmer, currently Canon Treasurer at Exeter Cathedral, is to become Dean of Winchester. The news follows an announcement from Downing Street this morning.
Joining Exeter Cathedral in 2018 as Canon Chancellor, Chris was responsible for Pastoral Care and Mission and Christian Nurture and Education. In 2022, he transferred to become the cathedral’s Canon Treasurer, taking responsibility on behalf of Chapter for the cathedral building and its development. He has also been widely involved in the life of the City of Exeter and the Diocese, and has found time to make good use of his passion for Theological Education in the teaching of clergy and ordinands.
The Right Revd Philip Mounstephen, Bishop of Winchester looks forward to welcoming Chris to the cathedral in Winchester. He said: “I’m delighted that Canon Chris Palmer has accepted the nomination to be the next Dean of Winchester. He brings great experience of cathedral and parish ministry, sharp intelligence, a ready wit and deep faith. We look forward very much to welcoming him and Olivia here amongst us.”
The Revd Canon Dr Roland Riem Interim Dean of Winchester Cathedral said: “In Advent, a season of hope, the Cathedral Chapter is thrilled to anticipate the arrival of Canon Chris Palmer as Dean of Winchester, and also to welcome Olivia. Chris’s commitment to the Bible, spirituality, historic fabric, and to families will be very welcome as we continue to develop the mission and ministry of this Cathedral.”
Ahead of taking up his new role on 15 March 2026, Revd Canon Chris Palmer said: “I am really delighted to have been appointed as the next Dean of Winchester. Having served as Canon Chancellor and then Canon Treasurer at Exeter over the last seven years, I have grown to love cathedral life, and I relish the many opportunities for encounter that cathedrals offer. I trust that this has equipped me for this next ministry. It’s been wonderful to meet Bishop Philip and members of the Cathedral Chapter and senior leaders during the discernment process, and I’m excited to get to know the many others who contribute to the cathedral’s vitality and welcome. Please pray for me as I prepare to move to Winchester next year.”
On behalf of Exeter Cathedral, the Very Revd Jonathan Greener, the Dean of Exeter, wishes Chris and his family the very best for the future, saying: “What a great role for Chris to be moving to. He’s done marvellous things for us here at Exeter Cathedral, not least in leading on our recent major building works, and we were well aware that at some point the wider Church would find out about him and want to make use of his wide-ranging talents and extraordinary energy. Winchester will be very blessed to have him. We shall all miss him hugely, but he and Olivia go with our love and our prayers and deep gratitude.”
Chris will be installed as the new Dean at Winchester Cathedral on 15 March 2026.
On Monday 8 December, Chris is meeting staff and congregants at Winchester Cathedral, including civic leaders including the High Sheriff of Hampshire, Mayor of Winchester and leader of Winchester City Council. He is visiting The Beacon, which provides accommodation, food and vital services to the homeless in Winchester. Chris will also visit the Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market in the Inner Close and will attend Evensong at the cathedral at 5.30pm on Monday 8 December.
Please pray for Chris and his family as they prepare to join the Winchester Cathedral community in the New Year.
ENDS
For further information, contact Lucy Rouse on lucy.rouse@winchester-cathedral.org.uk
Biography of Canon Chris Palmer
Chris was educated at University of Oxford and trained for ministry at St Stephen’s House, Oxford. He served his title at All Saints, Emscote, in the Diocese of Coventry, and was ordained Priest in 1999. He served as Team Vicar of All Saints, East Sheen, in the Diocese of Southwark and, from 2005, was also the Area Dean of Richmond and Barnes. In 2010, Chris was appointed Team Rector of Merton Priory.
From 2018 Chris served as Canon Chancellor of Exeter Cathedral and he took up his current role as Canon Treasurer in 2022.
About Winchester Cathedral
Winchester Cathedral is one of the most historic and revered cathedrals in the United Kingdom, with a history dating back to the 7th century. Located in the heart of Winchester, Hampshire, the cathedral is a masterpiece of medieval architecture and a vibrant hub of worship, music, and cultural events, attracting visitors from all over the world.
Winchester Cathedral is open to visitors daily from 9.00am to 5.00pm, and on Sundays from 12.30pm to 3.00pm. Last entry is 30 mins before closure. For more information about and the events programme at Winchester Cathedral, visit www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk/
Registered Charity Number: 1202915
