14 Facts About Robert Atwell

Robert Ronald Atwell was born on 3 August 1954 and is a British Anglican retired bishop, writer, and former Benedictine monk.

Robert Atwell was educated at Wanstead High School, a comprehensive school in Wanstead, London.

Robert Atwell studied theology at St John's College, Durham, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1975.

Robert Atwell was ordained in the Church of England: first, made a deacon at Petertide 1978, by Gerald Ellison, Bishop of London, at St Paul's Cathedral, and then ordained a priest the following St Peter's Day by Bill Westwood, Bishop of Edmonton, at St James Muswell Hill.

Robert Atwell's career began with a curacy at John Keble Church, Mill Hill in the Diocese of London from 1978 to 1981.

Robert Atwell spent ten years as a Benedictine monk at Burford Priory in Oxfordshire.

Robert Atwell held this role from 1998 until joining the episcopate in 2008.

Robert Atwell was consecrated a bishop at York Minster on 24 June 2008.

Robert Atwell was welcomed into the Diocese of Chester as Bishop of Stockport on 27 June 2008 at Chester Cathedral.

On 21 January 2014, it was announced that Robert Atwell would be translated to be the Bishop of Exeter.

Robert Atwell was installed at Exeter Cathedral on 5 July 2014.

Robert Atwell is chair of the Church of England's Liturgical Commission and the lead bishop for rural affairs.

Robert Atwell made his maiden speech on 18 November 2021 during a debate on COP 26.

Robert Atwell stepped back from public duties in July 2023, before he retired from full-time ministry on 30 September 2023.