THE CITY has paid tribute to the much-loved seventh Bishop of Bradford Roy Williamson who knew "where God was leading him and should be leading people".

The father-of-five was known for his soul stirring speeches during his time at the Anglican church between 1984–1991, guiding people through the Bradford City fire and the Salman Rushdie affair.

The bishop, respected by Bradfordians, lay people and the clergy alike, was enthroned as the Bishop of Southwark in 1991, where he served until his retirement seven years later.

The churchman, originally from Ireland, was known for his life of "simplicity" with his late wife, Ann, who he "really missed" after her passing.

Malcolm Halliday, the former diocesan secretary for Bradford, fondly remembers the time he asked the Bishop to speak at his retirement service.

Mr Halliday said: "I retired from my job in 2010.

I asked Roy if he would come and preach at my retirement service.

"It was bringing back all sorts of memories for him but he'd do it.

"Roy was an interesting character.

"He was very much keen on football.

"His heart was in Nottingham."

Bishop Roy died in the early hours of the morning surrounded by his children on September 17.

He had worked in the Diocese of Southwark long before his ordination, however, as a London City Missioner.

Southwark Diocese described Bishop Roy as "a warm, gentle pastor, a real father-in-God to many, a great preacher, a shepherd to his flock."

The preached was supported during his time in the ministry by his wife Ann who, after her passing, left Roy to continue life in the place that they loved on the edge of Nottingham.

The Dean of Southwark, the Very Revd Andrew Nunn, came to Southwark Diocese to work with Bishop Roy as his chaplain. He said: "My time at Bishop's House was a real privilege.

"I learnt so much from Roy but mostly a zeal for the gospel and a passion for people.

"Watching him each day respond in appropriate ways – a handwritten postcard to a priest in distress, fitting in a meeting just when someone needed it, walking with people, listening to them – you just knew you were with a person who knew Jesus.

"He was a blessing to us."

Bishop Christopher will celebrate a Requiem Eucharist in Southwark Cathedral on Wednesday, September 25, the Feast of Bishop Lancelot Andrewes, at 12.45pm.

All are welcome.

A memorial service will follow at a later date.​​​​​

The funeral will be held at St John's Church, Beeston, Nottingham, on Friday, October 4 at 2.30 pm to which all are welcome.

The Bishop of Southwark, the Rt Revd Christopher Chessun, said: "I commend Bishop Roy's family to your prayers as we give thanks for him and all he meant to us.

"I was in touch with Bishop Roy and the family during his illness and I know that Southwark Diocese remained dear to his heart.

"May we all know the faith, hope and love in Christ which so characterised Bishop Roy's life and ministry.

"May he rest in peace."