Foreword by His Eminence Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor

“Essential reading” — Rev Richard Coles

This essential reference catalogues the biographical history and significant events of all Roman Catholic diocesan bishops who have been in office since the Restoration of the Catholic Hierarchy in England and Wales in 1850, and in Scotland since the Restoration in 1878. The work has developed over a number of years into a comprehensive reference guide to over 300 men, ordained in the episcopal order, who have given their life in service to the Church.

• Description and brief history of each diocese, including coats of arms
• Biographical details of all former and current bishops
• Translations of the Letters Apostolic
• Contact details of all serving bishops
• Chronological listing of significant episcopal events
• Indexes of titular sees and cardinal titles

Drawing on a wide variety of sources, this book will appeal to all those interested in the general history and origins of the post-Restoration Roman Catholic dioceses in Great Britain, and be of particular use to diocesan archivists and yearbook editors. It presents the information as completely, concisely and consistently as possible.

As this book records the episcopal milestones of the last two hundred years, it also stands as a respectful testament to those bishops who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith, who continue to inspire and encourage their living successors in the Roman Catholic Church in Great Britain today.

The names of our bishops are to be found in so many local places: in parish histories, on foundation stones, in portraits and in so many memories and retold stories. This book gathers much of that information together, bringing into one volume the briefest details of those many shepherds who have worked among the flock in these lands. Their names continue to live on, and we give thanks to God for the foundations they laid and the work they did: we continue to reap a rich harvest today from their sowing.
Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor
Archbishop Emeritus of Westminster

Chris Larsen was born in Croydon in 1977 and attended the John Fisher School, Purley before graduating from UWE, Bristol in 1999.

For a few years, he tried a vocation to the priesthood at the Royal English College of St Alban at Valladolid in Spain and it was during this time that an interest in the diocesan history of Great Britain and its various bishops began to emerge. Since then, he has maintained a record of episcopal appointments, which has now developed into a valuable reference resource.

Following his return to the UK, Chris settled in Bristol. He still enjoys to travel and has now visited every Roman Catholic cathedral around the country.