© P.E. Blanche 1998

Nicholas Wotton kneels in permanent prayer at the East end of the Trinity Chapel. Although I cannot comment on his abilities as a cleric, he must have been one of the greatest politicians that England has ever had. The reason I make this statement because as the first Dean of Canterbury Cathedral following the dissolution of the monasteries, Nicholas Wotten served under no less than four monarchs from 1542 to 1567. This was during the difficult times when power switch from Protestant to Catholic and back again. Prior to being appointed Dean, he was a regular ambassador to other European Countries and was therefore no stranger to difficult negotiations. Not only was Wotton the Dean of Canterbury but he also held the post of Dean of York at he same time.

The mable monument is worth more than a second look because of the fine workmanship. It is probable that it was carved in Italy and it is also possible that the likeness of Dean Wotton was carved during his lifetime.