WINCHESTER has seen many historic events over two millennia.

Sunday saw another one. Winchester Cathedral witnessed its first female Dean installed.

The Very Rev Catherine Ogle became the 38th Dean of Winchester at a packed service at 3pm on Saturday and then took a service on Sunday.

It was chance for her to start to meet the thousands of people every years who worship or visit the great church.

She is the former Dean of Birmingham Cathedral, a position which she held for six years.

She pioneered engagement with parishes around the Diocese and forged connections with a range of institutions and charities across the city putting her in tune with the evangelical stance of the Bishop, the Rt Rev Tim Dakin.

The Bishop said: “Catherine’s focus and passion for mission makes her an ideal fit at a time when we are beginning to make Winchester a more mission-shaped Diocese.

"I am delighted by her appointment: Catherine will enrich Cathedral life with her many gifts and I look forward to working closely with her.”

The new Dean said: “I am very honoured to have been appointed as the next Dean of Winchester. Cathedrals are wonderful places of prayer and mission, and people have prayed and sought inspiration in Winchester’s magnificent Benedictine foundation Cathedral for over a thousand years."