Jane Hedges

Jane Barbara Hedges (born 6 April 1956) is a British Anglican priest who served as Dean of Norwich from 2014 to 2022. Considered a "trailblazer for women in the priesthood", she was also acting Dean of Canterbury in 2022 and interim Dean of Newcastle in 2023.

Early life and education Hedges grew up in Hampshire and was educated at Sarisbury Secondary School, leaving at the age of 16. After a year of college, she began working as a junior bank clerk when she felt the call to ordination. She trained for ministry at Cranmer Hall, Durham from 1978 to 1980. In 2006 she became Canon Steward of Westminster Abbey and Archdeacon of Westminster. In 2013 she was appointed Sub-Dean of the Abbey. Her time there coincided with many notable events, including the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton, the state visit of Pope Benedict XVI and a memorial service for Nelson Mandela at which Desmond Tutu preached. Despite speculation that she might become a bishop, Hedges continued in her role until in October 2021 she announced her intention to retire, effective 1 May 2022.

On 8 May 2022, it was announced that she had been appointed Canon Residentiary of Canterbury Cathedral, and from June to December 2022 she served as acting Dean of Canterbury. On 22 January 2023, she was appointed as interim Dean of Newcastle, a position she held until 14 October 2023.

Family Hedges is married to Chris Hedges, a teacher, and has two sons.