Dean of St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin

The office was created in 1219 or 1220, by one of several charters granted to the cathedral by Archbishop Henry de Loundres between 1218 and 1220.

Jonathan Swift, perhaps the most famous dean, was appointed against the strong opposition of Queen Anne, who disliked him.

The Archbishop of Dublin has one of the 28 seats (the dean plus 3 other dignities and 24 canons), used only at the time of election, but no other special authority.

The King of England resisted this, and it was eventually conceded that the Chapter alone could choose the Dean – but see the 1401 appointment."

The Reformation took effect in Ireland following a hiatus in the office of Archbishop of Dublin after the death of Archbishop Alen in 1534, and the election of George Browne to that office by the Chapters of both Cathedrals under pressure from King Henry VIII.