15 Facts About Mervyn Haigh

Mervyn George Haigh was an Anglican clergyman who served as the third bishop of the restored see of Coventry in the modern era and the 97th Bishop of Winchester in a long line stretching back to the 7th century.

Mervyn Haigh served in curacies in East Finchley and Chelsea until he was appointed, during the First World War, a Temporary Chaplain to the Forces in January, 1917.

Mervyn Haigh was posted to East Africa, having indicated in his interview that he 'leans to a hot climate'.

At Dodoma, Mervyn Haigh found that the main problems were caused not by the Germans but by disease and boredom.

Mervyn Haigh lectured to troops on VD, where his 'plainness of speech won a sympathy and understanding which was remarkable'.

Mervyn Haigh did not escape disease, and a second dose of Seven Day Fever led to his demobilisation.

Mervyn Haigh would have lifelong problems with poor health, caused or worsened by his East Africa experiences.

Mervyn Haigh had performed well enough in East Africa to be twice mentioned in despatches.

Mervyn Haigh was appointed Bishop of Coventry, and served the diocese well especially during the terrible bombing of the city during World War II.

Mervyn Haigh was, by 1942, highly regarded and was considered for the vacancies of Archbishop of Canterbury in 1942, when Cosmo Lang retired, and in 1944 following the sudden death of William Temple.

Mervyn Haigh lunched with Churchill on 22 December 1944, but on 2 January 1945, Fisher was appointed to Canterbury.

Mervyn Haigh, seems, therefore, to have been the 'runner-up' to Fisher.

Mervyn Haigh resigned his post in 1952 and was honoured by Winchester College before retiring to North Wales where he became involved in several rural campaigns.

Mervyn Haigh died on 20 May 1962, his papers bequeathed to the nation.

Mervyn Haigh reflected on Haigh's sharp mind and quick tongue which could demolish ill-thought through proposals and made Haigh the 'best machine-gunner on the bench' of bishops.