Honouring the First Bishop of Bolton

Last weekend, the restored vestments of the late Rt Revd David George Galliford, the first Bishop of Bolton, were formally received into Bolton Parish Church for safekeeping and future use.

The vestments were blessed with a prayer sent by Bishop Matthew Porter, current Bishop of Bolton, who expressed his support and joy at their new home. The hope is that these vestments may be worn by visiting bishops, allowing them to continue in service as a fitting legacy for the first Bishop of Bolton.

The family of Bishop David are particularly grateful to Philip Lowe (pictured centre), the episcopal tailor who made many vestments for Bishop David when he was first appointed to the diocese. The restoration of the cope (which will continue with similar work on the mitre) has involved much intricate needlework remounting the fragmented antique silk tapestry so that both can again be brought back into use.

Bishop David Galliford’s daughter, Clare Winstanley, (pictured on the left of the vestments) was present for the dedication service and expressed her gratitude saying, “I am so grateful to the team at Bolton Parish Church for their willingness to house the vestments. It is lovely to think of them being worn occasionally by a visiting bishop, so that they continue to live on in service. My father would have been thrilled by that and to know that they are cared for in such a stunning church.”

The Revd Hannah Lane, Vicar of Bolton added, “This moment marks not only the preservation of our heritage in Bolton but also a celebration of the lives and hands that have shaped it. We are honoured to house these vestments and to keep Bishop David’s memory alive in the heart of our town.”

Also featured in the photograph from the day are churchwardens Canon John Walsh OBE (on far right) and Evelyn Weston (on far left).