Salisbury Cathedral makes history with first female Head Verger

She joined the Cathedral team two years ago

Author: Jack DeeryPublished 1st Jun 2021
Last updated 1st Jun 2021

During the 11am Eucharist service on Sunday (30th May) morning, Salisbury Cathedral admitted their first ever female Head Verger.

Esther Lycett has made the historical step after joining the Cathedral as a verger in 2019.

Esther Lycett was admitted on Sunday

The 34 year old was born and raised in Dublin and spent 11 years there in the same role.

Esther now heads up a team of four vergers responsible for preparing the Cathedral for services and leading processions.

She said:

"I am very excited about this new opportunity. It is a great honour to be part of a tradition of verging in this Cathedral dating back centuries. I have settled very nicely into the community and hope to be here for many years to come."

It's not known how far back the role of the verger goes, however references are made at Salisbury Cathedral in the 13th century.

Back in 1866, according to records in the Cathedral archive, the vergers were placed on an annual salary and charged with providing guided tours for visitors at a cost 6d per person.

They have a number of responsibilities, including:

  • Maintaining Cathedral vestments
  • Overseeing the maintenance of the medieval clock and turret clock
  • Caring for Cathedral treasures

During the pandemic they have also been responsible for cleaning the building regularly.

Esther Lycett with Dean of Salisbury Nick Papadopulos

Canon Anna Macham, Salisbury Cathedral’s Precentor, who is responsible for Music and Worship said:

"I am delighted that Esther has been appointed as Head Verger. She is already a member of our vestry team and brings many gifts and a huge amount of experience to this new role, both from her time at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin and more recently here. We look forward very much to all that she will bring to this post."

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