Norwich Cathedral welcomes the 40th Dean of Norwich

The Very Revd Dr Andrew Braddock officially began his new role as 40th Dean of Norwich after a special service at the cathedral on Saturday, January 28.

The Very Revd Dr Andrew Braddock during his installation service as 40th Dean of Norwich at Norwich Cathedral on January 28, 2023 (Image: Bill Smith / Norwich Cathedral)

It was a welcome return to Norfolk for the new Dean, 51, who was ordained at the cathedral in 1998 and spent his first 10 years of public ministry in the Diocese of Norwich.

He said: "I am very touched by the wonderfully warm welcome my family and I have received from so many people across the life of the cathedral, city, county and diocese.

"I look forward to developing Norwich Cathedral’s rich tradition of being a place of worship, welcome and learning open to all.

Members of Norwich Cathedral Choir during the special service welcoming the 40th Dean of Norwich, the Very Revd Dr Andrew Braddock, on January 28, 2023 (Image: Bill Smith/Norwich Cathedral)

"It provides both common space and holy ground from which to serve our communities."

During the service he reflected on the city's long history of hospitality and said: "Particularly from the mid-16th century, those fleeing religious persecution in Europe were welcomed here.

"They in turn shared their gifts and culture, leaving their mark in everything from Dutch gables to the yellow canaries that now adorn the stands at Carrow Road. 

"That history reminds us that hospitality is about far more than sharing a place. It also involves the hospitality of the mind, and the hospitality of the heart."

The Very Revd Dr Andrew Braddock who is the 40th Dean of Norwich (Image: Bill Smith)

Several hundred people attended the event which included the historic Birkbeck Cope - an intricately designed cloak - being being put on the the new Dean.

His appointment follows the retirement of the Very Revd Jane Hedges, the 39th Dean of Norwich, in May 2022.  

After being ordained, Canon Andrew, who is married and has two teenage children, served his curacy in the parishes of Ranworth with Panxworth, Woodbastwick, South Walsham and Upton.

The Very Revd Dr Andrew Braddock who has become the 40th Dean of Norwich (Image: Bill Smith)

In 2001, he was appointed Rector of Cringleford and Colney, taking up the additional role of rural Dean of Humbleyard in 2004.

He was appointed Diocesan Missioner in the Diocese of Gloucester in 2008, in 2013 became Canon Missioner of Gloucester Cathedral before being commissioned as interim Dean of Gloucester in April 2022.

The Very Revd Dr Andrew Braddock who became the 40th Dean of Norwich after a special service at Norwich Cathedral on January 28, 2023 (Image: Bill Smith)