Tributes to former bishop born on vicarage table

The former Anglican Bishop of Lancaster, the Right Reverend Stephen Pedley, has died at the age of 85.

Bishop Stephen served as Bishop of Lancaster in the Diocese of Blackburn from 1998 until his retirement in 2005.

He was also an Honorary Canon of Blackburn Cathedral and served as an Honorary Chaplain to Queen Elizabeth II between 1984 and 1998.

Former Bishop of Blackburn, the Right Reverend Nicholas Reade, paid tribute saying he had "shown particular care for those people and groups who are marginalised".

Born in Coventry in 1940 during the Battle of Britain, Bishop Stephen was the son of a priest.

It is said he was born on a vicarage table during one of the first German air raids on the city, which later that year saw its cathedral destroyed in the Blitz.

Following curacies in Liverpool and Coventry, he spent six years working as a priest in northern Zambia before returning to England.

In 1998 he was appointed Bishop of Lancaster, a role he held for seven years.

'Outstanding pastor'

At the time of his retirement, the then Bishop of Blackburn, the Right Reverend Nicholas Reade, praised his ministry.

"As a bishop he has always shown particular care for those people and groups who are marginalised," he said.

"Bishop Stephen will be remembered particularly for his warmth, his preaching, his humour and wide range of interests but, above all, as an outstanding pastor."

Bishop Stephen and his wife, Mary, were married for 56 years and had three children and six grandchildren.

His funeral took place last week at St Giles' Church in Chollerton, Northumberland.