Mark Bonney


Mark Philip John Bonney is an Anglican priest. Since 2012, he has served as the Dean of Ely.

Early life

He was born in 1957. He was educated at a school in Cambridge. Having been awarded a scholarship as a choral exhibitioner, he studied music at St Catharine's College, Cambridge. He graduated from the University of Cambridge with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1978; his BA was promoted to a Master of Arts degree in 1982. He gained a Blue in both Tennis and Golf while studying for this degree.
Having completed his music degree, he taught the subject for three years. He left teaching to train for the priesthood and entered St Stephen's House, Oxford. Having studied theology, he graduated from the University of Oxford with a BA degree in 1984; this degree was promoted to an MA Oxon in 1989. He then undertook a further year of ministerial training at St Stephen's House.

Ordained ministry

Bonney was ordained in the Church of England as a deacon in 1985 and as a priest in 1986. From 1985 to 1988, he served his curacy at St Peter's Church, Stockton-on-Tees. He then joined St Alban's Abbey, where he was the chaplain from 1988 to 1990 and served as precentor from 1990 to 1992. He was vicar of the Church of St Mary, Eaton Bray from 1992 to 1996. Next, from 1996 to 2004, he was the rector of the Church of St Peter, Great Berkhamsted. In addition, from 2002 to 2004, he served as Rural Dean of Berkhamsted.
In 2004, he left the Diocese of St Albans after 16 years of service, to join the staff of Salisbury Cathedral. Between 2004 and 2012, he was a Canon Residentiary and Treasurer of the cathedral. In April 2012, it was announced that he would be the next Dean of Ely. On 22 September, he was installed as Dean at a service in Ely Cathedral.

Personal life

Bonney is married to Kate, a primary school teacher. Together they have two children, daughters Hannah and Eleanor.