The Bishop of Manchester writes:
GEOFFREY TATTERSALL KC was a man of extraordinary distinction, whose contributions to both the legal world and the Church of England were profound and far-reaching.
Born in 1947, at Tameside General Hospital, Geoffrey was the only child of Frank and Margaret Tattersall. Sadly, his mother died just six weeks before him. Her funeral, held at Christ Church, Heaton, in Bolton — a month before Geoffrey’s —serves as a solemn reminder of the deep love and devotion that Geoffrey cherished for her throughout his life.
The Archbishop of York has described Geoffrey as “very much a gift” to the Church of England; his “considerable legal expertise and razor-sharp mind” had been devoted to the service of the Church in ways that few could match. Geoffrey was known for his wit and relaxed manner, fostering good-natured debate at the General Synod even during moments of deep difference. This was particularly evident in his chairmanship of the discussions on matters of Living in Love and Faith. His leadership earned him deep respect, and his absence is keenly felt by all.
Raised in Ashton-under-Lyne and later in Audenshaw, Geoffrey attended Manchester Grammar School, before studying at Oxford University. It was during his second year, in the midst of Freshers’ Week, that Geoffrey met Hazel. They crossed paths playing a game of tiddlywinks — a meeting that would lead to a lifelong partnership. After they both graduated, Geoffrey and Hazel were married at St Peter’s, Swinton, in August 1971.
After initially settling in Heaton Moor, Stockport, the couple moved to Lostock, in Bolton, where they raised three children and later celebrated the arrival of six grandchildren.
Geoffrey was called to the Bar in 1970 and took Silk in 1992. In 1995, he was appointed Senior Counsel of the Australian Bar in New South Wales, and, in 1997, he became a Bencher of Lincoln’s Inn. Specialising in personal injury, professional negligence, and ecclesiastical law, Geoffrey acquired expertise that spanned multiple fields. He was appointed Recorder in 1989, a Deputy High Court Judge of the Queen’s Bench Division in 2003, and Judge of Appeal in the Isle of Man for two decades starting in 1997.
It was, however, his service to the Church which perhaps defined him most. In Manchester diocese, Geoffrey served as a member of the Bishop’s Council, Lay Chair of Bolton deanery (1993-2002), and Chair of the House of Laity for the diocesan synod (1994-2003). In 2003, he was made an Honorary Lay Canon of Manchester Cathedral, in recognition of his outstanding service. From 2004 to 2022, he was the Diocesan Chancellor, and, just 12 months ago, I admitted him to the Order of William Temple at Manchester Cathedral, honouring his lifelong commitment to the Church’s mission.
Geoffrey also served as Chancellor of the diocese of Carlisle, Vicar-General of the diocese of Sodor & Man, and a member of the Court of Arches. In London, he took enormous pleasure in his membership of the Worshipful Company of Parish Clerks, one of the oldest fellowships in the city, chartered in 1442. During his year as Master only two years ago, it was a privilege to be his guest at dinner and witness the high regard in which he was held by his fellow members
Outside his professional and ecclesiastical life, Geoffrey had a wide range of personal interests. He had a passion for classical music and was particularly fond of ABBA, a topic that he often brought up in General Synod debates.
Geoffrey’s life was one marked by profound service to his family, his faith, and his community. It was a privilege to be his friend and bishop and, honouring his express wish, to give the homily at his funeral. His legacy will live on in the lives he touched, the debates he led, and the faith that he upheld with unwavering integrity. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.
Geoffrey Frank Tattersall KC died on 5 January, aged 77.
