Peter Townley (born 16 November 1955) is a Church of England priest who served as Archdeacon of Pontefract, 2007[1]–2023.
Townley was born in Blackley, Manchester and educated at Moston Brook High School, the University of Sheffield and Ridley Hall, Cambridge.
After a curacy at Christ Church, Ashton-under-Lyne he was Priest in charge of St Hugh, Oldham.
[3] In 2004, he was nominated for a bravery award after apprehending a thief, who had stolen a parishioner's handbag.
[4] In 2023, Townley returned to parish ministry,[5] resigning his archdeaconry effective 25 September 2023.