The decline of Canon Barry was a trial not only to himself but also to the parishioners. One of them later recalled that he had become "somewhat senile and given to excessively long sermons way above the heads of the congregation" and he adds that his father was one of a deputation who sought an audience with the Archbishop to raise the matter. If that was the case then there could scarcely have been a better choice than that of his successor.

Julian Bamford was born in 1879 into a well-known and prosperous family in Uttoxeter He studied for the priesthood in Ushaw College and was ordained in 1905. As Rector of St Peter's he returned to the college to celebrate his silver jubilee (1930). He began his ministry at St Peter's, Bloxwich, before moving to Leamington in 1908 as curate to the newly-appointed Canon Barry. Their relationship was most harmonious and Fr Bamford became well-loved in the parish, but, in 1915, like his fellow-curate, Fr Francis Drinkwater, he enlisted as military chaplain during the first World War. They each witnessed the dreadful sufferings endured, and both returned as the kindest and most compassionate of priests. In 1919 he was appointed Rector of Evesham where he was remembered with affection for many years after. It was therefore with great delight that the parishioners of St Peter's greeted a former well-loved curate as their new Rector in 1928.

Fr Bamford had a very calm, relaxed manner and never imposed his views. He is remembered by past parishioners as a quiet unassuming person but who was loved and admired by everyone. The assistant priests in the parish certainly had the greatest respect and affection for him. Like all his predecessors he took great interest in the schools of the parish and in 1929 purchased the land adjoining the school behind the property in Augusta Place, thus providing extra playground space for the growing number of children. Other parishioners also can recall his compassion and regular generosity to many of the poorer families in the parish.

By early 1932 his health began to decline and in June he went away on sick leave. The parish desperately wished him to recover and by July thanks were offered for "the Rector whose health continues to improve". The weekly prayers continued until the end, as though the parish didn't want to let him go. He died on December 15. (So many upheavals in St Peter's seem to have occurred around Christmas.) The number of masses offered by different societies show the esteem in which he was held. He was buried at Kenilworth in the Rector's plot. (Because his imminent death had been recognised as inevitable his successor had already been decided on and was appointed immediately.)

If, in a record of continuity such as this, there is a point that may be described as a time of distinctive change, it is on the death of Fr Bamford. He represents the last of the old Rectors with their dignified authority and less complicated manner of life. Within a changing world, the Church also was changing and future parish priests began to experience many of the pressures in adapting to that change and thus ensure the continued development of the parish.

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