28 Sep 2026
The Rt Revd Dr Andrew Rumsey, newly installed Bishop of St Albans, said returning to the city feels like coming home.
Bishop Andrew returns to the diocese in which he was born and baptised, where his father served as a parish priest, and where he spent his early life, and he plans to hit the ground running.
Speaking exclusively to the St Albans Times, he explained how he will be familiarising himself with the workings of the Diocese: “By getting out and about right away and having dozens of conversations! My role is about God, people and places, and the way these three relate – so I’m exploring and asking lots of questions. While the diocesan offices are here in St Albans (with a wonderful support team) the Church of England’s heart is in local communities, so I won’t truly know it until I’ve travelled around a bit more.”
And there are plenty of places he is looking forward to exploring in the wider St Albans area, including all the places he knew in childhood but haven’t visited for years.
“I grew up in Herts and Beds, where my late father was a vicar, so it really does feel like coming home. I’m passionate about history, so I’m already loving how much there is to discover on my doorstep, especially in Verulamium Park. There are some great independent shops, amazing restaurants, and a thriving music scene (not least at the Cathedral), all of which I’m hoping to sample before long.
“So far, I’ve discovered Empire Records and Books on the Hill (which are wonderful), a very stylish Mid-Century interiors shop called A Fold of Chairs and Café Ver, by the Old Fighting Cocks, which is ideal for a flat white after the early morning dog walk.”
He said he will be a different Bishop to his predecessor, Alan Smith: “Taking on a senior role is always daunting, and I’m thankful to have such a fine predecessor in Bishop Alan. The familiar advice to ‘just be yourself’ rings true, I think, as it’s also a reminder that I need others who are not like me – and to rely on God.”
And visitors to the gardens at the Bishop’s House in Abbey Mill Lane need not be disappointed, as he plans to continue the practice of opening them up for charity: “The Abbey Gate House gardens are an extraordinary gift, and we hope to make the most of them.”
