The Reverend Canon Thomas Woodhouse Is Appointed Chaplain Of The Queen’s Chapel of the Savoy

Since 2014 Thomas has been Team Rector of Dorchester and The Winterbournes. Prior to that he served in a number suburban and rural parishes in the Diocese of Gloucester, including several years as Vicar of Royal Wootton Bassett.

Thomas believes strongly in the power of partnership: “The focus of my ministry is to work with others to renew our worshipping communities. I believe in growing people’s confidence and empowering them to reach out into the community and make a difference. I am looking forward to using my experience and enthusiasm to help grow the relationship between the worshipping community of the Chapel and their neighbours across the City of London and beyond.”

The Queen’s Chapel of the Savoy is a ‘free’ chapel or ‘peculiar’ which has belonged to the Duchy of Lancaster since it was built in 1512. Located at the heart of the historic ‘manor of the Savoy’ it is today the last surviving building of a hospital founded by Henry VII for the poor, needy and homeless. It became a Chapel Royal by Royal Command in 2016.

Commenting on Thomas’s appointment Duchy CEO Nathan Thompson said: “We look forward to welcoming Thomas and his family into the Duchy family when he takes up his new post. We take enormous pride in the history and heritage of the Savoy estate and the Chapel is without doubt the jewel in the crown. It has stood here offering support and sustenance to those in need since the sixteenth century and we count ourselves extremely privileged to be able to enjoy it over 500 years later. I know that Thomas will do his very best to actively engage with both the congregation and all members of the community at the earliest opportunity.”

For further information about The Queen’s Chapel of the Savoy and details of forthcoming services please visit the website www.royalchapelsavoy.org.