The Reverend Canon Toby Wright, Team Rector of Witney and Honorary Canon of Christ Church, Oxford, is to be appointed as Dean of Wells. He is appointed in succession to The Very Reverend Dr John Davies following his resignation.

Dr Davies retired on 6 January, 2023 after the King’s (it is a royal appointment) acceptance of his deed of resignation. Expressing his thanks at the time for his work at the cathedral, Bishop Dr Michael Beasley, praised the Dean (who was 65) for his contributions. He was reported as saying the Dean’s tenure through the pandemic and beyond as “innovative and sometimes personally perilous in equal measure”. Both, he said, had increased the profile of the cathedral and greatly supported its financial position. Since his retirement, Anne Gell, has been the Acting Dean of Wells.

The appointment of the new Dean by the King was announced today. He was educated at New College, Oxford, and trained for ministry at the College of the Resurrection, Mirfield. From 2020-2023 Toby was on secondment to the Dorchester Episcopal Area Team and during part of this time served as Acting Associate Archdeacon. In addition, Toby is Warden of the Sisters of the Community of Saint Mary the Virgin, Wantage.