The Bishop’s Office
The Bishop’s Palace has been home to the Bishop’s of Bath & Wells for over 800 years. The Bishop’s Office, which supports the bishop in their pastoral, liturgical and public ministries is also based at The Bishop’s Palace in the Beckynton Range of The Palace.
This new range was built in the 1450s as a service block and is at right angles to the building established by Bishop Jocelin.
The Rt. Revd. Michael Beasley, former Bishop of Hertford, was installed as Bishop of Bath and Wells in November 2022. He lives in The Bishop’s Palace with his wife Lizzie and their two children, Charlie and Connie.
Wednesday, 22nd October 2025 – New Bishop of Taunton Announced
Fiona Gibson to become the next Bishop of Taunton
Downing Street has announced today (10am, 22 October 2025) that Fiona Gibson will be the next Bishop of Taunton. She is currently the Archdeacon of Ludlow in the Diocese of Hereford, a role which she has held since 2021.
Speaking in advance of today’s announcement, Fiona shared her excitement in becoming the 14th Bishop of Taunton, and the second Archdeacon of Ludlow to be appointed to the role.*
She says, “I am absolutely delighted to be coming to Bath and Wells as the next Bishop of Taunton. As a child and teenager I visited family friends in Porlock for holidays nearly every year, and have many happy memories of exploring Exmoor and further afield in Somerset. To be able to return to such a beautiful place, while serving its people as Bishop of Taunton, is both deeply humbling and a great joy.
“Having ministered in both urban and very rural settings, I hope this will help me serve its diversity of people – from those in the beautiful city of Bath to the smallest hamlet on Exmoor, those living along the coast and in the towns, and everywhere in between. I am very much looking forward to coming to learn and to share with Bishop Michael and all God’s people as we seek the paths where God will lead us in the coming years, and live out our common calling to share the timeless truths and hope of the Christian faith in our ever-changing world.
Commenting on Fiona’s appointment, Michael Beasley, the Bishop of Bath and Wells says,
“I am really excited to welcome Fiona’s appointment as the next Bishop of Taunton. She has done an outstanding job as the Archdeacon of Ludlow and has a huge amount of expertise that will help us as we seek to grow our church and our increase our work within our communities across Somerset. Her rural experience and educational background will, in particular, be a wonderful gift to us.”
Before taking on her role, Fiona will first need to be consecrated as a bishop. This will be followed by her installation as Bishop of Taunton in the Diocese of Bath and Wells, at a service at Wells Cathedral, early in 2026.
An Introduction to the Diocese
Fiona is spending today meeting people from across Somerset. She will begin her day in Wiveliscombe, meeting clergy, church volunteers and members of the rural community at St Andrew’s Church, before heading to Taunton. There she will enjoy a tour of Pyrland’s Church of England Secondary School and a visit to the Without Borders Cafe, which employs refugees and offers work experience to asylum seekers, and is run by the charity CHARIS Refugees in Taunton.
From there she will make her way to Glastonbury to meet with clergy and volunteers from St John’s and St Benedict’s before joining in with the school assembly at St Benedict’s Junior School. She will then return to Wells to meet staff at the diocesan offices before attending Evening Prayer at Wells Cathedral.
Background
Fiona was ordained deacon in 2011 and priest in 2012. She served her curacy and first incumbency in the Diocese of St Albans, before her appointment as Archdeacon of Ludlow.
Fiona was born and brought up in north London and. She studied for a BEd (Hons) in History and Education at Homerton College, Cambridge, before becoming a primary school teacher. She thought that she would remain in education for her entire career but, she says, “God had other plans.” She undertook her theological studies at Oak Hill College, London and has a MTh in Theological and Pastoral Studies. She holds a PhD in Divinity from the University of Aberdeen, studying for it alongside her ministry in St Albans and Hereford.
Fiona is married to David, who works in financial services, and they have two adult children. When she’s not working, Fiona enjoys reading, playing board games, listening to podcasts, walking, taking photographs, and wild swimming.
Who’s Who
The Bishops’ team works out of the offices on-site here. They are as follows:
- The Right Revd Michael Beasley, Bishop of Bath and Wells. This link gives some background information on Bishop Michael
- Kate Scott, Bishops’ Chaplain, Advisor and Office Manager
- Andrea Howlett, Bishops’ Personal Assistant for Correspondence
- Paula Denyer, Bishops’ Personal Assistant for Diary and Finance
- Penny Gibbs, Bishops’ Welcome, Administration and Volunteers PA
If you wish to get in touch with any of the team, contact details are on the Diocesan website.