title: Dean of Chelmsford
text: # Dean of Chelmsford
  
  The Dean of Chelmsford is the head (primus inter pares – first among equals) and chair of the Cathedral Chapter, the governing body of Chelmsford Cathedral, the Cathedral Church of St Mary the Virgin, St Peter and St Cedd. Before 2000 the post was designated as a provost, which was then the equivalent of a dean at most English cathedrals. The cathedral is the mother church of the Diocese of Chelmsford and seat of the Bishop of Chelmsford. The Dean of Chelmsford is also responsible for the Chapel of St Peter-on-the-Wall at Bradwell-on-Sea, founded by St Cedd, among the oldest church buildings in regular use in England.
  
  Nicholas Henshall was Dean until 23 February 2023 and Paul Kennington took over as acting Dean then.
  
  