Tribute to John Cavell

Bishop Nicholas has paid tribute to Bishop John Cavell, Bishop of Southampton from 1972-84, who died on Friday aged 100. He spent much of his period in Southampton also serving as the Church of England’s bishop for prisons.

John lived in Salisbury in retirement, in the Close in his latter years, and enthusiastically supported the Diocese and also Sarum College, where one of the main lecture rooms is named after him.

Bishop Nicholas said, “John Cavell was special, and not just because of his longevity, though he lived to see his century and was a bishop for 45 years. In retirement he continued to exercise an enormous ministry here in Salisbury, even in his later years.

“He enjoyed people, especially young people whom he encouraged in life and faith. He was a perceptive companion.

“He prayed for me as a new bishop and he challenged me. With very many others I am deeply grateful to God for him.”

Read a 2014 interview with Bishop John about his remarkable life and ministry.