Michael Stancliffe
# Michael Stancliffe

Michael Staffurth Stancliffe (8 April 1916 – 26 March 1987) was a Church of England priest who served as the Dean of Winchester from 1969 to 1986.

## Career

Stancliffe trained for ordination at Lincoln Theological College, and was ordained deacon in 1940 and priest in 1941. He was a curate at St James', Southbroom, Devizes 1940–43 before becoming the priest-in-charge at Ramsbury 1943–44, and then curate of Cirencester and priest-in-charge of Holy Trinity, Watermoor, Cirencester, 1944–49.

He was then a Master and Chaplain at Westminster School 1949–57 and also Preacher to Lincoln's Inn, 1954–57. Following this he was Rector of St Margaret's, Westminster, a Canon of Westminster Abbey 1957–69, and Speaker's Chaplain 1961–69 before his elevation to the Deanery of Winchester.

He was a member of General Synod 1970–80 and Chairman of the Council for Places of Worship, 1972–75; Fellow of Winchester College 1973. He was also considered for the post of Bishop of Carlisle.

His son, David Stancliffe, was the Bishop of Salisbury.

