Henry Weedall was born in London 1788 and began his early studies for the priesthood at Sedgley Park, and was ordained priest at Oscott College in 1814. His exceptional intelligence was soon recognised and he continued further studies to obtain a doctorate in theology. On his return to the Central District he was appointed to Oscott and became deeply involved in the education of Catholic youth and many future priests. At the time of his appointment to St Peter's he had become president of the College and was one of the most illustrious priests of the Central District. It is in fact strongly believed that he had been asked to become Vicar Apostolic of the Northern District but declined on the grounds of poor health. Whether his appointment to St Peter's was meant as a gesture of sympathy or as a rebuke, is a debated question! But whatever the reason, the appointment of Dr Weedall to St Peter's shows how important the mission had become.

In appearance Henry Weedall had a strong, robust upper body, but small legs, which may be why he felt unsuited to the arduous journeys of a Vicar Apostolic in those days. he was a rather shy and reserved person, meticulous about detail, but also one who loved the company of friends, so that the presbytery in George Street hosted many convivial gatherings. At the same time, with his clear and precise mind he could be quite sharp in debate or correspondence as the letters page of the Leamington Courier sometimes showed. In the parish he became known for the length of his sermons, which were carefully preserved and added to each year. Each was in fact a detailed and scholarly lecture which sorely tried the patience of the congregation. He took full advantage of government funds available at the time to purchase land in New Street so that an excellent Catholic school was established there. At his own personal expense he made changes in the chapel, introducing wherever possible the more popular Gothic style. He also decorated the walls with a number of splendid paintings, some of which are present in Oscott College.

During his years in Leamington, one of Dr Weedall's closest friends was Fr Bernard Ullathorne, a Benedictine priest in the parish of St Osburg's, Coventry, who later became Vicar Apostolic of the Western District. In 1848 Dr Ullathorne was appointed to the Central District and soon afterwards invited Dr Weedall to take charge of the recently-built church of St Chad's in Birmingham. It was a time of great change for the Catholic Church in England, and in 1850 a new diocese of Birmingham was established. Dr Ullathorne became its first Bishop and appointed Dr Weedall as provost of the Chapter of Canons. St Peter's was to have been a short but fruitful interlude in the ministry of this exceptional priest. After establishing the Cathedral Chapter he returned to Oscott College where his wit and sharpness of mind once again found a ready home.

He died in 1859 and was buried in the college grounds.

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