Pope Pius IX had granted a general permission to the new bishops in November 1850 to select the first members of the chapters of their dioceses.  In April 1852 this permission was extended and so in 1853 the Chapter of Plymouth Cathedral was erected. 

Because there were so few priests in the diocese then (just 23 at its foundation) it was not immediately possible to appoint a full Chapter.  And so, in November 1853, Bishop Errington selected Dr George Oliver to be the first Provost of the new Chapter, along with seven Canons: Robert Platt of Totnes, Ralph Brindle of Barnstaple, Herbert Woollett of Poole, Maruice Power of Torquay, John Brande Morris of Yealmptobn, William Clifford of Stonehouse and Thomas Tillbury of Weymouth.

Over the years there have been many changes, including in March 1888 when Bishop Vaughan, celebrating the fiftieth year of his priesthood, increased the number of Canons in the Chapter to nine.  Similarly, Bishop Graham, also on his golden jubilee, completed the Chapter by adding the tenth member; so there was then a Provost and nine canons.  This has been the constitution of the Cathedral Chapter ever since.  The list below tells you who are current Canons are.

In 2001, Monsignor Bartholomew Nannery, the cathedral administrator, was created the first Dean of Plymouth Cathedral.  Upon the retirement of Monsignor Nannery, Canon Mark O'Keeffe was installed as the parish priest and Dean of Plymouth Cathedral.

The role of The Chapter is to celebrate the more solemn liturgical functions in the Cathedral, and to support the life of the Diocese in their prayers.  

Cathedral Chapter 2021

Canon Paul Cummins (Provost)
​Canons of the Chapter:

Canon Paul Cummins (Diocesan Administrator)
Canon John Deeny V.G.
Monsignor Canon Robert Draper 
Canon Timothy Lewis (Precentor)
Canon Michael Lock
Canon Peter Morgan (Secretary)
​Canon Mark O'Keeffe
Canon Kristian Paver - Judicial Vicar
Canon John Webb 
​Canons Emeritii (retired):
Canon Patrick Chrystal
Canon Peter Webb
Canon Patrick Costello
​Monsignor Canon Bartholomew Nannery

Honorary Canons
Canon David Annear
Canon George Carrick
Canon Denis Collin