Earlier today, Friday 5 June, a special ceremony took place on the banks of the River Tees. The Rt Revd Rick Simpson was greeted by civic dignitaries and members of the public as he takes up the role of Bishop of Durham.
The ceremony draws on a tradition dating back many centuries, in which each new Bishop of Durham was presented with the Conyers Falchion, a steel sword which is said to have been used to slay the Sockburn Worm. Although the custom was abandoned in 1771, it was revived in 1984 and the sword is now presented by the Mayor of Darlington instead.
Usually, the ceremony would take place on Croft Bridge, as the new Bishop of Durham enters his Diocese for the first time. However, Bishop Rick is no stranger to the Diocese, having served here for more than twenty years – initially as Priest in Charge of St Brandon’s Brancepeth and more recently as Archdeacon of Auckland. For this reason, the tradition was adapted, with the ceremony taking place on the banks of the River Tees rather than on Croft Bridge, reflecting Bishop Rick’s long-standing connection with the Diocese.
The ceremony began with two processions: the Mayoral Greeting Party from the north bank of the River Tees and the Bishop’s party from the south bank, meeting in the middle. The Mayoral Party comprised the Macebearer, Mr John Blenkinsop; the Mayor of Darlington, Cllr Helen Crumbie; the Lord Lieutenant, Mr Mike Butterwick; and the High Sheriff, Dr Arnab Basu MBE DL.
After receiving the sword from the Mayor of Darlington, Cllr Helen Crumbie, Bishop Rick addressed those gathered and offered a prayer for peace. Pupils from St Mary’s CE Primary School, Cockerton, then performed a song reflecting the same theme.
Following the ceremony, the party was invited to lunch at St George’s CofE Academy before Bishop Rick returned the sword to Durham Cathedral. While there, he visited the Shrine of St Cuthbert and joined the Dean of Durham, the Very Revd Dr Philip Plyming, in praying for peace.
The Rt Revd Rick Simpson will be officially installed as Bishop of Durham during a service at Durham Cathedral on Sunday 7 June.
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