Leslie Stanbridge

Stanbridge was born on 19 May 1920 in Bromley, Kent, England.[1][2] He was educated at Bromley County Grammar School, an all-boys state grammar school in Bromley.[1] He then matriculated into St John's College, Durham to study theology and train for ordained ministry.[1][3] He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in 1947 and undertook a further two years of training.[4] Later, having returned to St John's a member of staff, he undertook postgraduate study and completed a Master of Arts (MA) degree in 1954.[4]

Stanbridge was ordained in the Church of England as a deacon in 1949 and as a priest in 1950.[4] From 1949 to 1951, he served his curacy at Erith Parish Church (St John the Baptist's) in Erith in the Diocese of Rochester.[1][4] In 1951, he returned to St John's College, Durham, his alma mater, as a tutor.[2] He was also appointed the college chaplain in 1952.[3][4]

In 1955, Stanbridge moved to the Diocese of York where he would stay for the rest of his life.[3] He was Vicar of St Martin's Church, Hull between 1955 and 1964.[4] From 1962 to 1974, he was also an Examining Chaplain to the Archbishop of York.[1] He was Rector of St Mary the Virgin, Cottingham, East Riding of Yorkshire between 1964 and 1972.[4] He was also Rural Dean of Kingston-upon-Hull between 1970 and 1972.[1]

From 1968 to 2000, Stanbridge was made a Canon of York Minster.[1] He continued his parish ministry for four years, before being appointed Archdeacon of York in 1972.[3] He officially retired in 1988, but led an active retirement.[4] He was Warden of the York Diocesan Readers' Association between 1988 and 1995, and was Succentor Canonicum at York Minster between 1988 and 2015.[1][3]

On 19 March 2015, Stanbridge died at his home in New Earswick, York.[1][2] A Requiem Eucharist was held for him at York Minster on 30 March 2015.[5]