Memorial to Bishop Woodford

Bishop James Russell Woodford, Bishop of Ely 1873-1885 founded Ely Theological College, which offered training for the priesthood. The Diocesan Office and Retreat House, which stand in the grounds of the Old College on Barton Road, are named after him. His portrait along with a lock of hair is displayed in the entrance hall. Bishop Woodford is buried in Bishop West’s Chapel.

Bishop James Woodford was probably the Bishop who had more impact than any other on the modern shape of the Diocese of Ely.

This distinguished Victorian bishop established a theological college in Ely in 1876 which was responsible for training priests for several generations. However, in 1964 it was decided by the Church of England that the college should be temporarily closed due to the decline in the number of graduates and the difficulty of providing the opportunity for theological study in a small cathedral city in the middle of an East Anglian fen. The college was never re-opened and the buildings were consequently sold to the King’s School.

*Additional information from a sign next to Bishop Woodford’s monument.

12 Comments CherryPie on Nov 26th 2018

12 Responses to “Memorial to Bishop Woodford”

  1. Astrid says:

    That is quite unusual to see a dragon at his feet, Cherry. I am always impressed with these tombs.

  2. lisl says:

    Yes, I do agree about the dragon. I wonder what the significance is

  3. Alan says:

    I’m wondering about the dragon, too. Its more usual to have a doing at the feet. Brian Walbey has a shot fo Ely Cathedral today, too.

    • CherryPie says:

      I searched around a bit and found the answer, see my comment above to Lisl.

      What a coincidence that Brian has posted about Ely too. I will check his photo out.

  4. The Yum List says:

    Such intricate details in this work.

  5. Shabana says:

    very touching and incredible !

  6. That’s not a dragon!
    It’s Falkor. ;)