We are delighted to announce that the Revd Simon Butler will be the next Archdeacon of Winchester, providing support for parishes across our diocese and with special responsibility for the deaneries of Alresford, Alton, Andover, Basingstoke, Odiham, Whitchurch and Winchester.
Simon was born and raised in the Hampshire Village of Oakley. Having started an engineering degree, he quickly realised that (in his own words) ‘he wasn’t very good at it’ and so switched to a theology degree – partly to stave off an emerging call to ordination! Three theology degrees and one ordination later Simon served a curacy in a suburban parish in Nottingham before moving back down south to the diocese of Guildford as Associate Rector in the Parish of Ashtead.
Simon returned to his sending diocese, Winchester, in 2016 as Rector of the North Hampshire Downs Benefice – a role he held until 2025 when he became part time Associate Vicar in the benefice and part time clergy lead for the diocesan Growing Rural Parishes Project (GRPP).
Simon has been married to Hannah for 20 years and they have three daughters, Tabitha, Jemima and Kitty. When not busy with work and family, Simon races historic and modern racing cars in the UK and Europe. He’s also one half of the Butler & Butler brand of clerical shirts!
Revd Simon said, “I’m really looking forward to getting out and about across the northern archdeaconry and beyond, and looking forward to meeting the clergy and the churches that make up our amazing parishes here in the diocese.”
The Rt Revd Philip Mounstephen, Bishop of Winchester, said, “I’m just delighted by the appointment of Simon Butler as Archdeacon of Winchester. Simon brings very significant experience in mission and ministry, especially in a rural context. He’s not only served as incumbent in a context which has seen real growth, but has been a key architect of our ‘Growing Rural Parishes’ programme. I have every confidence he’ll be a real agent of change and blessing across the north of our diocese, and I look forward very much to working with him, alongside Bishop Kelly.”
