Dean of Westminster
The Dean of Westminster ( English Dean of Westminster ) is the head of the collegiate church St. Peter zu Westminster, Westminster Abbey for short . He was called during the Reformation to succeed the abbot of Westminster Abbey and was Bishop of the Diocese of Westminster for ten years (1540–1550). Between 1662 and 1802 he was also Bishop of Rochester .
In place of the monastery community, a college of dean and canons , lower canons and secular staff was created during the Reformation with the task of ensuring the continuation of daily church services. The Dean and Chapter were also responsible for much of Westminster's civil administration well into the early 20th century .
The dean also plays an important role at major state events. He has the right to instruct the respective monarch in the rites and customs before and during his coronation and to support the Archbishop of Canterbury in his duties during the service . He hands over the regalia and receives some of them back. Most recently, he was head of the wedding of William Mountbatten-Windsor and Kate Middleton on April 29, 2011.
Acting Dean of Westminster has been David Hoyle since November 2019 .