When Fr Davenport was taken ill in September 1981, Bishop Cleary, the Vicar Capitular of the diocese, appointed Fr Francis Gwinnett as Parish Priest of St Peter's.

On his arrival, he was quite overwhelmed by the richness and variety of its traditions. So many people had worshipped here, from Napoleon III in exile to the most disadvantaged of immigrants. At the same time, there had been many distinguished priests whose achievements are recorded in their respective biographies.

He was born in Wolverhampton in 1932 and educated at St Chad's college and was accepted by Archbishop Masterson on applying to enter the priesthood. In 1952 he began studies at Grove Park, near Warwick, and then, later in 1956 received the tonsure (formal acceptance) from Bishop Bright in Oscott College. In 1959 he was ordained by Archbishop Grimshaw in St Chad's Cathedral.

His first appointment was to the parish of Christ the King, Coventry, and he was there from 1959 - 1966 when he went to Corpus Christi College, London, for an academic year. In 1997 he returned to the diocese taking up a post in the parish of the Sacred Heart, Coventry, where he served for one year before being moved to the Cathedral for five years, 1968 - 1973. He was then appointed to St Joseph's, Nechells, until 1981, when he came to Leamington Spa and remained there for fifteen years.

In 1996, he moved to St Anthony's, Wolverhampton, and was Parish Priest there until his retirement in 1999.

For further information or comments please contact info@stpeterapostle.org