Dean and Chapter of Westminster

The first college of canons was established by letters patent on 17 December 1540 by Henry VIII.

[1] From 16 November 1645 the dean and canons were dispersed, and a committee of the Lords and Commons from the Long Parliament governed.

The first a canon of each stall was appointed by Henry VIII in the foundation charter dated 17 December 1540.

[14] Eight canons were deprived of their prebends by Mary I on 30 March 1554 and one resigned shortly after; only three remained in post.

The Ecclesiastical Commissioners reports in 1835 and 1836 (as enacted in the statute 3 & 4 Queen Victoria c. 113) called for a reduction in the number of canons from twelve to six.