THE first female Archbishop of Canterbury has been named – and she plied her trade at Salisbury before being appointed to the impressive new role.

The Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally has made history after becoming the first female leader in the history of the Church of England.

The 63-year-old is a former chief nursing officer for England and she served as canon treasurer of Salisbury Cathedral between 2012 and 2015.

Salisbury Cathedral has praised the appointment.

A spokesperson said: “We welcome the appointment of Sarah Mullally as our archbishop and look forward to the vital ministry that she will exercise in the Church of England, the nation, and the global communion.”

They added: “Her ministry here made a huge impression on many and she is remembered with great fondness.

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“We assure Bishop Sarah of our prayers and extend an open invitation to her to revisit Salisbury Cathedral in her new role as soon as possible.”

Dame Sarah Mullally will give an address in Canterbury Cathedral today (October 3) but she will not legally become the archbishop until a ceremony takes place in January.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “I welcome the appointment of The Right Reverend and Right Honourable Dame Sarah Mullally D.B.E as the new Archbishop of Canterbury and the first woman to hold the role.

“The Church of England is of profound importance to this country. Its churches, cathedrals, schools, and charities are part of the fabric of our communities.

“The Archbishop of Canterbury will play a key role in our national life. I wish her every success and look forward to working together.”