Bishop Peter Knight Walker 1919-2010

From the Bishop of Ely, the Rt Revd Stephen Conway

It is with deep regret that I announce the death of the Rt Revd Dr Peter Knight Walker, Bishop of Ely from 1977-89.   Dr Walker, who was in his 92nd year, died after a brief illness in Addenbrooke’s Hospital on 28th December 2010,  

His funeral service will take place on Tuesday 11th January 2011 at 2.30pm in Grantchester Parish Church. There will be a Memorial Service in Ely Cathedral on Thursday February 10th at 2pm. The Archbishop of Canterbury hopes to be attending.

An eminent Anglican Bishop, Dr Walker was born on 6 December 1919 and was educated at Leeds Grammar School and The Queen's College, Oxford.  He served in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (RNVR) during the Second World War. He taught at The King's School, Peterborough and in 1950 he became assistant master at Merchant Taylors' School in London.  

He was made Deacon in 1953 and was ordained priest the following year.  His first parish post was a curacy at Hemel Hempstead after which he became Fellow, Dean and Lecturer at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge. In 1962 he was appointed Principal of Westcott House, Cambridge.   He was consecrated Bishop and appointed Suffragan Bishop of Dorchester in 1972.  In 1977 he was translated to Ely, a post he held until his retirement 12 years later.  

“Bishop Peter was an outstanding priest, scholar, Principal of Westcott House, Cambridge, and Bishop,” said the Archdeacon of Cambridge, John Beer.  “During his long retirement he faithfully maintained his ministry of pastoral remembrance through letter writing and personal contact. He will be greatly missed.” 

You are read the eulogy given by the Archdeacon of Cambridge, the Ven John Beer, at Peter's funeral in Granchester on 11th January 2011 here.