The diocese covers 458 km2 (177 sq mi) of 17 boroughs of Greater London north of the River Thames (historically the City of London and the County of Middlesex) and a small part of the County of Surrey (the district of Spelthorne, historically part of Middlesex). The see is in the City of London, where the seat is St Paul's Cathedral, which was founded as a cathedral in 604 and was rebuilt from 1675 following the Great Fire of London (1666).
Third in seniority in the Church of England after the archbishops of Canterbury and York, the bishop is one of five senior bishops who sit as of right as one of the 26 Lords Spiritual in the House of Lords (for the remaining diocesan bishops of lesser rank, seats are attained upon vacancy, determined by chronological seniority).[2] The other four senior bishops are the archbishop of Canterbury, the archbishop of York, the bishop of Durham and the bishop of Winchester.
The bishop's residence is The Old Deanery, Dean's Court, City of London. Previously, Fulham Palace was the residence for over 1000 years, and from the 18th century, the bishop had chambers at London House next to the Bishop's Chapel in Aldersgate Street.[3][citation needed]
A certificate of ordination (with seal) given at Westminster by Richard Terrick, Bishop of London, 24 February 1770. The arms on the seal are blazoned: Per pale: 1. Gules, two swords in saltire points uppermost argent hilts and pommels or (for the office of the Bishop of London), and 2. ___ (the personal arms of Richard Terrick?), surmounted by a bishop's mitre above an escallop.
The first mention of Christianity in England comes from Tertullian, possibly writing in the early 200s,[7] but the first mention of an implied church in London relates to a Bishop of London, either Restitus or Aldephius, attending the Council of Arles in 314 AD.[10]
The location of Londinium's original cathedral is uncertain.[11] The present structure of St Peter upon Cornhill was designed by Christopher Wren following the Great Fire in 1666 and stands upon the highest point in the area of old Londinium, but possibly more significantly directly above the location of a pagan shrine room (aedes) within the great Roman London basilica.[12][13]
St Peter upon Cornhill church and location above London Roman Forum
There is a medieval tradition which maintains the church was founded by King Lucius in AD 199. If St Peter's was built in the Roman era, it would make the church contemporaneous to the Romano-British church at Silchester, similarly built adjacent to the Roman Basilica and most likely pre-Constantine in age.[14][15]
Some caution may be exercised in this respect however, as other research suggests it very rare for early English Christian churches to be founded in pagan temples,[16] and that when temples were turned into churches, this occurred later, in the late sixth century onwards.[17][18] Historians seem to be more confident that early English Christian churches met in private homes, and that some Roman villas also installed places of Christian worship.[19]
Whether the Lucius story is a fiction, or whether there was actually a church deliberately erected over the shrine room is unclear and could only be settled by archaeological exploration under St Peter's. However, it is interesting that whilst four medieval churches were built around the same time on the foundations of the Roman Basilica and forum, the London city authorities in 1417 determined that St Peter's dated back to Roman times, and indeed was the original seat of English Christianity.[20] This suggests there may have been something extra in St Peter's location and longevity which justifies it predating the others.
In 1995, a large and ornate 4th-century church was discovered on Tower Hill, which seems to have mimicked St Ambrose's cathedral in the imperial capital at Milan on a still-larger scale. This possible cathedral was built between 350 and 400 out of stone taken from other buildings, including its veneer of black marble. It is perfectly possible that the stone came from the London basilica and forum, which was demolished and levelled around the same time. The 4th-century church was burnt down in the early 5th century.[21][22]
According to a 12th-century list, which may be recorded by Jocelyne of Furness, there had been 14 "archbishops" of London, claiming London's Christian community was founded in the 2nd century under the legendary King Lucius and his missionary saints Fagan, Deruvian, Elvanus, and Medwin.[23] None of that is considered credible by modern historians.
Following the establishment of the archdiocese of Canterbury by the Gregorian mission, its leader St Augustine consecrated Mellitus as the first bishop to the Saxonkingdom of Essex in 604. (The first bishop of Rochester was also consecrated the same year.) Bede records that Augustine's patron, King Æthelberht of Kent, built a cathedral for his nephew King Sæberht of Essex as part of this mission. This cathedral was constructed in "London" and dedicated to St Paul.[24] Although it is not clear whether Lundenwic or Lundenburh was intended, it is generally assumed the church was located in the same place occupied by the present St Paul's Cathedral atop Ludgate Hill in London. Renaissance rumours[25] that the cathedral had been erected over a Roman temple of the goddess Diana are no longer credited: during his rebuilding of the cathedral following the Great Fire of 1666, Christopher Wren reported discovering no trace of such a structure.[26]Surrey was at times a part of the Kingdom of Essex, and with it the Diocese of London, a situation that changed following a synod at Brentford around 705, reflecting the growing strength of Mercia at the expense of Essex.[27]
Because the bishop's diocese includes the royal palaces and the seat of government at Westminster, he has been regarded as the "King's bishop" and has historically had considerable influence with members of the Royal Family and leading politicians of the day. Since 1748 it has been customary to appoint the Bishop of London to the post of Dean of His Majesty's Chapels Royal,[28] which has the effect of putting under the bishop's jurisdiction, as dean, several chapels (at the Tower of London and St. James's Palace, among others) which are geographically in the Diocese of London but, as royal peculiars, are officially outside the bishop's jurisdiction as bishop.
The Report of the Commissioners appointed by his Majesty to inquire into the Ecclesiastical Revenues of England and Wales (1835), noted the annual net income for the London see was £13,929.[29]
List of bishops
Romano-British
The dates and names of these early bishops are very uncertain.
Romano-British Bishops or Archbishops of London – traditional list
Not included in Jocelyn's list, but one of three British bishops recorded attending the 314 Council of Arles. The text is corrupt, but either Restitutus or Adelphius seem to have come from London.[10] None are listed as a metropolitan.
Not included in Jocelyn's list; described as "bishop of the Britons" by Gennadius, who credits him with a work on Christian living (De Vita Christiana) and another on pious widowhood (De Virginitate);[33] surviving texts by these names[34] do not match Gennadius's description and seem rather Pelagian,[35] although Gildas apparently quoted them approvingly.[36]
According to one source, the last bishop's episcopate ended in 586.[30] But according to another, a century and a half had elapsed between the flight of the last British bishop and the coming of the first Post-Augustinian bishop.[11]
Previously Abbot of Abingdon. Appointed in early 1051, but never consecrated. Expelled in September 1051, fleeing with gold, gems and other valuable items from the diocesan stores.
Formerly Archdeacon of Le Mans and Lord Chancellor. Nominated or elected on 25 December 1085 and consecrated in 1086, possibly on 5 April. Died in office on 26 September 1107.
Elected on 24 May and consecrated on 26 July 1108. Died in office on 16 January 1127. His nephew, Richard de Beaumis II, was Bishop of London 1152–1162.
Also known as Gilbert the Universal. Formerly a canon of Lyons. Elected circa December 1127 and consecrated on 22 January 1128. Died in office on 9 August 1134.
Formerly a monk of Reading Abbey. Nominated by Empress Matilda in July 1141 and consecrated before April 1142 (probably in July 1141). Died in office on 28 or 29 September 1150.
Translated from Hereford to London on 6 March, confirmed by Pope Alexander III on 19 March, and enthroned on 28 April 1163. Died in office on 18 February 1187
Also known as Richard FitzNigel. Lord High Treasurer (c.1158–1196) and Dean of Lincoln (1183–1189). Nominated bishop on 15 September and consecrated on 31 December 1189. Died in office on 10 September 1198.
Also known as William de St Mariæ Ecclesiâ. Formerly a Prebendary of St Paul's, London. Elected after 7 December 1198 and consecrated on 23 May 1199. Resigned on 25 or 26 January 1221. Died on 24 or 27 March 1224.
Formerly Archdeacon of Colchester (1218–1229).[43] Elected in 1228, received the temporalities on 27 April 1229, and consecrated on 10 June 1229. Died on office on 29 September 1241. After his death he was revered as a saint, although there is no formal record of his canonisation.
Formerly Dean of York (1239–1241). Elected circa December 1241, received the temporalities on 16 March 1244, and consecrated on 9 October 1244. Died in office on 21 May 1259.
Also known as Henry of Wingham. Formerly a Prebendary of St Paul's, London, Dean (Dean of St Martin's le Grand, and Lord Chancellor. Elected before 29 June 1259, received the temporalities on 11 July 1159, and consecrated on 15 February 1260. Died in office on 13 July 1262.
Formerly a Prebendary of St Paul's, London. Elected on 13 November 1262, received the temporalities on 15 January 1263, and consecrated on 27 May 1263. Died in office on 15 September 1272.
Formerly a Prebendary of St Paul's, London. Elected before 7 May, received the temporalities on 17 May, and consecrated on 11 August 1280. Died in office on 9 December 1303.
Also known as Ralph de Baldoc. Formerly Dean of St Paul's, London (1294–1306). Elected on 24 February 1304, received the temporalities on 1 June 1304, and consecrated on 30 January 1306. Died in office on 24 July 1313.
Formerly Precentor of St Paul's, London (c.1306–1316).[46] Elected on 17 August, received the temporalities on 28 September, and consecrated on 25 November 1313. Died in office on 18 December 1316.
Formerly Dean of St Paul's, London (1316–1317). Elected on 27 January, received the temporalities on 31 March, and consecrated on 15 May 1317. Died in office on 24 August 1318.
Formerly a Prebendary of St Paul's, London.[47] Elected on 1 September 1318, received the temporalities on 6 November 1318, and consecrated on 14 January 1319. Died in office on 8 April 1338.
Also known as Richard Bintworth. Formerly a Prebendary of St Paul's, London and Lord Privy Seal (1337–1338). Elected on 4 May, received the temporalities on 24 May, and consecrated on 12 July 1338. Also Lord Chancellor (1338–1339). Died in office on 8 December 1339.
Formerly Treasurer of Salisbury (1336–1340).[48] Elected on 26 January, received the temporalities on 13 February, and consecrated on 12 March 1340. Died in office on 17 April 1354.
Formerly a Prebendary of Lichfield (1342–1354). Elected on 22 April 1354, appointed on 7 May 1354, received the temporalities on 23 June 1354, and consecrated on 12 July 1355. Died in office on 9 September 1361.
Also called Simon Theobald of Sudbury and Simon of Sudbury. Formerly Chancellor of Salisbury (c.1353–1361). Appointed on 22 October 1361, consecrated on 20 March 1362, and received the temporalities on 15 May 1362. Translated to Canterbury on 4 May 1375.
Translated from Hereford. Appointed on 12 September and received the temporalities on 2 December 1375. Also Lord Chancellor (August–December 1381). Translated to Canterbury on 9 September 1381.
Formerly Dean of Salisbury (1379–1381). Appointed on 9 September and received the temporalities on 27 December 1381. Consecrated on 5 January 1382. Also Lord Chancellor (1382–1383). Died in office on 28 August 1404.
Previously Archbishop of Canterbury (1398–1399). Appointed on 10 December 1404 and received the temporalities on 28 July 1405. Died in office on 6 January 1406.
Formerly Dean of York (1420–1425). Appointed on 20 July 1425, elected on 8 April, received the temporalities on 6 May, and consecrated on 26 May 1426. Translated to Lincoln on 30 April 1431.
Formerly Dean of York (1426–1436). Elected bishop on 23 February, appointed on 21 May, received the temporalities on 15 September, and consecrated on 28 October 1436. Died in office before 27 July 1448.
Formerly Archdeacon of Middlesex and Chancellor of York. Appointed on 21 August 1448, received the temporalities on 6 February 1450, and consecrated on 8 February 1450. Died in office on 28 March 1489.
Formerly Archdeacon of Lewes and Dean of King's Chapel. Appointed on 21 August, received the temporalities on 6 November, and consecrated on 15 November 1489. Died in office on 20 February 1496.
Formerly Master of the Rolls (1502–1504). Elected bishop before 2 August 1504 and appointed on that date. Received the temporalities on 13 November and consecrated on 26 November 1504. Died in office on 10 October 1505.
Translated from Chichester. Nominated on 24 March, appointed on 5 June, and received the temporalities on 1 August 1506. Died in office before 17 January 1522.
Formerly Dean of Salisbury (1521–1522) and Master of the Rolls (1516–1522). Nominated in January and appointed on 16 May 1522 (again on 10 September 1522). Received the temporalities on 7 October and consecrated on 19 October 1522. Translated to Durham on 21 February 1530.
Formerly Archdeacon of Dorset (1523–1530). Appointed on 28 March, received the temporalities on 14 July, and consecrated on 27 November 1530. Died in office on 8 September 1539.
Formerly Archdeacon of Leicester (1535–1539) and Bishop-elect of Hereford (1538–1539). Elected Bishop of London on 20 October 1539 and consecrated on 4 April 1540. Deprived on 1 October 1549.
Restored on 5 September 1553, but deprived again on 29 May 1559 for refusing to take the Oath of Supremacy. Died in Marshalsea Prison on 6 September 1569.
Formerly a canon of Westminster (1592–1597)[56] and Canterbury (1595–1597).[57] Elected on 21 April and consecrated on 8 May 1597. Translated to Canterbury on 10 December 1604.
Formerly Bishop-elect of Hereford. Nominated Bishop of London on 23 October and consecrated on 27 October 1633. Also Lord Treasurer (1636–1641). Deprived of the see when the English episcopacy was abolished by Parliament on 9 October 1646. Following the Restoration of the monarchy, Juxon was translated to Canterbury on 20 September 1660.
Previously a canon of Gloucester (1633–1658).[60] Nominated on 21 September and consecrated on 28 October 1660. Translated to Canterbury on 31 August 1663.
Translated from Salisbury. Nominated on 16 June and confirmed on 15 September 1663. Also Lord High Almoner (1662–1675). Died in office on 7 October 1675.
Formerly Dean of the Chapel Royal (1713–1714) .Translated from Bristol. Nominated on 8 August 1713 and confirmed on 13 March 1714. Died in office on 11 April 1723.
Translated from Lincoln. Nominated on 10 April and confirmed on 4 May 1723. Since 1721 also Dean of the Chapel Royal. Died in office on 4 September 1748.
Translated from Chester. Nominated on 15 August and confirmed on 23 August 1828. Resigned due to ill-health on 30 September 1856 and died on 5 August 1857.
Translated from Truro. Nominated on 28 May and confirmed on 21 July 1981. After his resignation in 1991, he became a Roman Catholic priest in 1994. Died on 6 January 2010.
^"...the haunts of the Britons – inaccessible to the Romans, but subjugated to Christ..." (ch. 7)., Tertullian, Adversus Judaeos Chapter 7, accessed 16 Sep 2022
^ ab"Nomina Episcoporum, cum Clericis Suis, Quinam, et ex Quibus Provinciis, ad Arelatensem Synodum Convenerint" ["The Names of the Bishops with Their Clerics who Came Together at the Synod of Arles and from which Province They Came"] from the Consilia[8] in Thackeray[9]
^Examining the evidence for churches in Roman Britain; is this a concrete indication of Romano-British churches? Nathan Day, The Post Hole, December 2019, accessed 26 Sep 2022
^The King Lucius Tabula, John Clark (2014), p7, accessed 17 January 2022
^Denison, Simon (June 1995). "News: In Brief". British Archaeology. Council for British Archaeology. Archived from the original on 13 May 2013. Retrieved 30 March 2013.
^Sankey, D. (1998). "Cathedrals, granaries and urban vitality in late Roman London". In Watson, Bruce (ed.). Roman London: Recent Archaeological Work. JRA Supplementary Series. Vol. 24. Portsmouth, RI: Journal of Roman Archaeology. pp. 78–82.
^Gennadius of MarseillesDe Viris Illustribus, Ch. lvii. (in Latin) Translated by Ernest Cushing Richardson in A Select Library of the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church, 2nd Series, Translated into English with Prolegomena and Explanatory Notes, Vol. III, Lives of Illustrious Men, Ch. LVII: "Fastidius the bishop". T. & T. Clark (Edinburgh). Reprinted by Wm. B. Eerdman's Publishing (Grand Rapids).
^According to Boece, Hector (1821). "15". The History and Chronicles of Scotland, Volume II, Book VIII. Translated by Bellenden, John. Edinburgh: W & C Tait. p. 39.
Clark, John (1996). "The Temple of Diana". In Bird, Joanna; Hassall, Mark; Sheldon, Harvey (eds.). Interpreting Roman London. Oxbow Monograph. Vol. 58. Oxford: Oxbow. pp. 1–9.
Fryde, E. B.; Greenway, D. E.; Porter, S.; Roy, I., eds. (2003) [1986]. Handbook of British Chronology (3rd ed.). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. ISBN0-521-56350-X.
Greenway, D. E. (1968). St. Paul's, London. Fasti Ecclesiae Anglicanae 1066–1300. Vol. 1. London: Institute of Historical Research. Retrieved 23 February 2015 – via British History Online.
Horn, J. M. (1963). St Paul's, London. Fasti Ecclesiae Anglicanae 1300–1541. Vol. 5. London: Institute of Historical Research. Retrieved 23 February 2015 – via British History Online.
Horn, J. M. (1969). St. Paul's, London. Fasti Ecclesiae Anglicanae 1541–1857. Vol. 1. London: Institute of Historical Research. Retrieved 23 February 2015 – via British History Online.
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