on 22 february 2007 queen elizabeth ii appointed foot to the regius chair of ecclesiastical history at the university of oxford. she is the first woman ever to hold this chair. postholders are expected to lead research and develop graduate studies within their areas of specialisation and to take a leading part in developing the work of the oxford theology faculty. the professorship is also annexed to a canonry at christ church, although the postholder need only be a lay churchperson; and at a special ceremony on 6 october 2007 foot was installed as residentiary canon of the cathedral.