Roger Hawes has been announced as the new Chair of Trustees of The Palace Trust, the charity which manages The Bishop's Palace and Gardens as a heritage visitor attraction. He will take up his position on November 17 2022 following the retirement of current Chair Rear Admiral David Wood.

A business consultant with a legal background including being a partner for 20 years at Burges Salmon LLP specialising in mergers and acquisitions, venture capital and advice to entrepreneurs, Roger has been a Palace Trustee since early 2022. He has also served on the board of several companies and was Chair of Talking Money, a debt advice agency based in Bristol, for five years until 2016.

The Palace Trust aims to "conserve and share the Palace and its story as a place of enjoyment and reflection for the benefit of all". The Palace is the 800-year-old home of the Bishops of Bath and Wells and the buildings and gardens are open to the public year round.

Roger says of the appointment: "I am delighted to be taking over the reins from David at what is both a challenging but very exciting time for The Bishops Palace and Gardens. We are a great asset for our local community and I know that the trustees, staff and volunteers will all continue to work tirelessly to sustain and improve the wonderful experience offered here."

Chief Executive of The Palace Trust, Jan Wallwork Clarke says: "We have great plans for The Bishop's Palace and Gardens and Roger is the ideal champion to help us to deliver the aspirations we all have for this special place."