Boy bishop

Typically, the boy bishop and his minions took possession of the cathedral and performed all the ceremonies and offices except Mass.

The English-speaking world enjoys many versions, including Hereford, revived in 1973 for a special children's service, with both full and traditional ceremonies following annually since 1982.

The Boy Bishop was installed there on St Christopher's Day (25 July) and 'reigned' for one year, preaching and 'presiding' at youth events.

The market town of Alcester, Warwickshire, has St Nicholas night complete with the Boy Bishop on 6 December each year.

In the United States, adoptions of the custom took place in 1979 at the Cathedral of All Saints (Episcopal) in Albany, New York, as part of an annual renaissance fair on the grounds of the Gothic church.

Reputed tomb of a Boy bishop in Salisbury Cathedral in Wiltshire , England
19th-century depiction of a medieval boy bishop, attended by his canons