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Tributes pour in for 'amazing' bishop after death

Adrian Harms,in Guildfordand
Patrick Barlow,South East
News imageAdrian Harms / BBC A photo of a bishop propped on a stand, captioned with "The Rt Revd Andrew Watson 1961-2026" at the bottom. It is placed inside a cathedral building lined with seats.Adrian Harms / BBC
Tributes are continuing to be paid to the Right Reverend Andrew Watson, who died on Tuesday following a cancer diagnosis

A book of condolences has been opened to pay tribute to the Bishop of Guildford following his death on Tuesday.

The Right Reverend Andrew Watson died surrounded by family after announcing in February that he had been diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer.

Canon Peter Bruinvels, a governor of the Church Commissioners, told BBC Radio Surrey: "He touched the lives of so many people."

The books have been placed in the cathedral, as well as an online book of condolences on the Diocese of Guildford website.

Bruinvels added: "He had an amazing bravery and calmness.

"He was genuinely interested in everyone. He cared about everyone and was never off duty, always with a smile and there for everybody."

Watson, 64, had been Bishop of Guildford for 11 years prior to his death.

First ordained in 1987, he was also admitted into the House of Lords in 2022.

About 2,000 people attended a special sermon and evensong at Guildford Cathedral in support of Watson last week, prior to his death.

News imagePA Media A close-up shot of Andrew Watson, Bishop of Guildford, wearing a dog collar and grey jacket in front of a bookshelf.PA Media
Watson was told in January he had a "substantial" tumour on his pancreas

In June last year, Watson abseiled 50m (160ft) down the tower of the cathedral, in aid of the Bishop of Guildford's Communities Fund.

Speaking in the cathedral on Wednesday, mourner Angeline Lee said: "He was so kind and had such a big remit, but whenever you spent time with him it was like you were the most important person there."

Rachel Johnson, who works in the diocese, said: "I'm quite tearful - we heard the news last night and it still comes as a shock, even though we knew this was coming.

"He ordained me and he was so lovely and easy to talk to."

The new Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally, also paid tribute to Watson, adding he "demonstrated a calm reassurance of God's saving grace".

Watson is survived by his wife, Beverley, their four children and three grandchildren, as well as his mother and three siblings. Funeral arrangements are to be announced in due course.

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