Dean of Chelmsford

The Dean of Chelmsford is the head (primus inter pares – first among equals) and chair of the Cathedral Chapter, the governing body of Chelmsford Cathedral, the Cathedral Church of St Mary the Virgin, St Peter and St Cedd. Before 2000 the post was designated as a provost, which was then the equivalent of a dean at most English cathedrals. The cathedral is the mother church of the Diocese of Chelmsford and seat of the Bishop of Chelmsford. The Dean of Chelmsford is also responsible for the Chapel of St Peter-on-the-Wall at Bradwell-on-Sea, founded by St Cedd, among the oldest church buildings in regular use in England.

Nicholas Henshall was Dean until 23 February 2023 and Paul Kennington took over as acting Dean then.

Provosts

 * 1929–1949: William Morrow
 * 1949-1951: Charles Waller
 * 1951–1966: Eric Gordon
 * 1966–1977: Connop Price
 * 1978–1981: Dick Herrick
 * 1982–1996: John Moses
 * 1997–2000: Peter Judd (became Dean)

Deans

 * 2000 – 6 October 2013: Peter Judd
 * October 2013 – February 2014: Ivor Moody, Vice Dean (Acting)
 * February 2014 – February 2023 (res.): Nicholas Henshall (returned to parish ministry)
 * February 2023 – present: Paul Kennington (Acting)
 * January 2025: Jessica Martin (announced)