Members of the cathedral community will have been saddened to hear of the death of a long-standing former Dean of Hereford, The Very Reverend Robert Willis. 

Robert was Dean of Hereford from 1991-2001 when he was succeeded by the Very Reverend Michael Tavinor. He had a profound effect on this community during his tenure and is still remembered by many of our more long-standing members. It was during his time that the Hereford Cathedral Perpetual Trust was launched - an act for which the current administration is profoundly grateful - and he was also at the helm for the opening of the new Mappa Building - another very meaningful legacy for us today.  

Joan Williams, Dean Willis and Queen Elizabeth II at the opening of the Mappa Mundi & Chained Library Exhibition in 1996 c. Gordon Taylor

Upon leaving Hereford Robert became Dean of Canterbury, a post which he held for 22 years until he retired in May 2022 aged 75. We pray in gratitude for his ministry and in the hope of his resurrection. We also hold his partner and family in our prayers as they mourn.