See of Exeter

See of Exeter. The See of Exeter is a diocese in the Church of England Province of Canterbury, with its cathedral at Exeter Cathedral in the city of Exeter, Devon. The diocese is led by the Bishop of Exeter, currently Robert Atwell, and covers a large area of Devon, including the cities of Exeter, Plymouth, and Torquay. The See of Exeter has historical ties to the Archbishop of Canterbury, Diocese of London, and the Diocese of Winchester.

History of the See

The See of Exeter has its roots in the 7th century, with the establishment of the Diocese of Crediton by Saint Boniface and Saint Winfrid. In 909, the see was transferred to Exeter and the Diocese of Exeter was formed, with Bishop of Exeter Æthelgar as its first bishop. The diocese has been part of the Church of England since the English Reformation, and has been influenced by notable figures such as Thomas Cranmer, Matthew Parker, and William Laud. The See of Exeter has also been associated with the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and the Royal Society.

Bishops of Exeter

The Bishops of Exeter have played a significant role in the history of the See, with notable bishops including Leofric, William Warelwast, and Henry de Sully. Other notable bishops include John Grandisson, Thomas de Brantingham, and Edmund Lacey, who have all contributed to the development of the diocese. The current bishop, Robert Atwell, has been in office since 2014 and has been involved in various initiatives, including the Church of England's Renewal and Reform program, and has worked closely with other bishops, such as Justin Welby and John Sentamu.

Cathedral and Churches

The Exeter Cathedral is the mother church of the See of Exeter and a prominent example of Gothic architecture in the United Kingdom. The cathedral has been influenced by the work of William of Wykeham and John Wastell, and features a unique combination of Romanesque and Gothic styles. The diocese is also home to numerous other churches, including St Peter's Church, Exeter, St Mary's Church, Ottery St Mary, and St Michael's Church, Chagford, which have all been associated with notable figures such as John Wesley, George Whitefield, and Charles Simeon.

Territory and Governance

The See of Exeter covers a large area of Devon, including the cities of Exeter, Plymouth, and Torquay, as well as the surrounding countryside. The diocese is divided into several archdeaconries, including the Archdeaconry of Exeter, the Archdeaconry of Plymouth, and the Archdeaconry of Totnes, each of which is responsible for a specific geographic area. The diocese is also part of the Church of England's Province of Canterbury, and is subject to the authority of the Archbishop of Canterbury, currently Justin Welby.

Notable Events and Figures

The See of Exeter has been associated with numerous notable events and figures throughout its history, including the English Civil War, the Glorious Revolution, and the Oxford Movement. Notable figures associated with the diocese include John Locke, Samuel Johnson, and Jane Austen, who all had connections to the city of Exeter or the surrounding area. The diocese has also been involved in various ecumenical initiatives, including the Porvoo Communion and the Meissen Agreement, and has worked closely with other churches, such as the Roman Catholic Church and the Methodist Church of Great Britain. The See of Exeter has also been associated with the University of Exeter, Exeter College, Oxford, and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.