Devon woman makes abbey history

Reverend Canon Jane Hedges takes up her post in January 2006

An east Devon woman has made history by becoming the first female canon to be appointed at Westminster Abbey.

The Canon Jane Hedges, 50, is currently priest-in-charge and team rector of Honiton, Awliscombe, Gittisham, Combe Raleigh and Monkton.

She is also Rural Dean of Honiton, supporting the ministry of all Anglican churches in the area.

She will move to the abbey in January 2006 with her husband and two sons, to take up the post of canon steward.

I am both honoured and excited to be the first woman canon at the abbey Canon Jane Hedges

The abbey is known as a Royal Peculiar, as it is directly under the jurisdiction of Her Majesty the Queen.

Not only is Canon Hedges the first woman canon at Westminster Abbey, she is also the first woman priest to be appointed to a Royal Peculiar.

The appointment process is handled by the Prime Minister's office and has to be approved by the Queen.

The role of canon steward at Westminster Abbey dates back to medieval times and the duties include responsibility for welcoming visitors and dealing with hospitality, including special events.

Christian community

Another duty is looking after the fabric of the building and its many historical monuments.

Canon Hedges said: "I am both honoured and excited to be the first woman canon at the abbey.

"I am particularly looking forward to the opportunity to engage with the enormous number of visitors to the abbey, hopefully helping them to experience the abbey as a living Christian community as well as an inspiring building."

Initially she will work for the current Dean of Westminster Abbey, The Very Reverend Dr Wesley Carr. He is due to retire from the post in February 2006.

He has welcomed her appointment saying: "It's only natural that, since the ordination of women, we should now have women of such a high calibre and experience in the church.

"We are very pleased to have Jane joining our team."