THIS WEEK IN 1985: The seventh Bishop of Portsmouth sails in

The seventh Bishop of Portsmouth was enthroned in a colourful and historic ceremony in Old Portsmouth.
By The Newsroom
Published 18th Feb 2017, 06:00 BST
Updated 28th Feb 2017, 12:09 BST
The Queens harbourmaster, Captain Chris Chamberlen, escorts the new Bishop of Portsmouth, the Rt Rev Timothy Bavin to the launch, to take him from Lower Quay in Fareham to Portsmouth (5985-1-2)The Queens harbourmaster, Captain Chris Chamberlen, escorts the new Bishop of Portsmouth, the Rt Rev Timothy Bavin to the launch, to take him from Lower Quay in Fareham to Portsmouth (5985-1-2)
The Queens harbourmaster, Captain Chris Chamberlen, escorts the new Bishop of Portsmouth, the Rt Rev Timothy Bavin to the launch, to take him from Lower Quay in Fareham to Portsmouth (5985-1-2)

Dignitaries from throughout the diocese, which stretches north to Oxford and includes the Channel Islands, gathered in their droves for the occasion.

Civic heads, clergy, MPs, and representatives of the armed forces and the Royal Navy were present to witness the ceremony, steeped in history, at Portsmouth Cathedral.

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The Rt Rev Timothy John Bavin came to Portsmouth from Johannesburg, South Africa, where he was succeeded by Nobel Peace Prize winner Bishop Desmond Tutu.

Bishop Bavin arrived in Portsmouth in the Admiral’s barge which he boarded at Fareham. He then led a magnificent procession through the streets of Old Portsmouth to the enthronement.

Bishop Bavin took the Declaration of Assent and the Oath. Kissing the bible, he said: ‘I will observe the ancient and approved customs of this church, and will do all in my power to further its mission. So help me God.’

Related topics:Old PortsmouthOxford