Bishop of London
Bishop of London | |
|---|---|
| Bishopric | |
| anglican | |
Arms of the Bishop of London: Gules, two swords in saltire points uppermost argent hilts and pommels or | |
| Incumbent: Vacant since 28 January 2026 | |
| Style | The Right Reverend and Right Honourable |
| Location | |
| Ecclesiastical province | Canterbury |
| Residence | The Old Deanery, Dean's Court, City of London |
| Information | |
| First holder | Thean |
| Established | 4th century, but current establishment from 604 |
| Diocese | London |
| Cathedral | St Paul's Cathedral |
The bishop of London is diocesan bishop of the diocese of London in the Church of England. The bishop's seat, or cathedra, is at St Paul's Cathedral in the City of London. The diocese covers most of northern and western Greater London north of the River Thames and the district of Spelthorne in Surrey, an area approximately corresponding to the City and the historic county of Middlesex.
The bishop is third in seniority in the Church of England after the archbishops of Canterbury and York, and is one of five bishops who have an automatic right to sit as one of the 26 Lords Spiritual in the House of Lords. Since 1723 is has also been custom for the bishop to be appointed dean of the Chapel Royal. Historically, the bishop's residence was Fulham Palace. Since 1973, other residences in central London have been used, including The Old Deanery near St Paul's Cathedral. The bishop has had direct episcopal oversight in the Two Cities area (the City of London and the City of Westminster) since the institution of the London area scheme in 1979.
The bishopric is currently vacant after the 134th bishop, Sarah Mullally, was translated to Canterbury on 28 January 2026.