Fergus Butler-Gallie
Fergus Butler-Gallie is an English writer and Anglican priest. He is vicar of Charlbury. Butler-Gallie rose to prominence with the publication of his book A Field Guide to the English Clergy in 2018, and has since written several more books, newspaper columns, and opinion pieces, as well as regular radio and podcast appearances. He was ordained in 2018 in the Anglican Diocese of Liverpool at the age of 26.
Early life
Butler-Gallie grew up in Bethersden, Kent. He attended Tonbridge School, and then studied History and Czech-Slovak at St John’s College, Oxford. After this, he studied another degree in Theology at Emmanuel College, Cambridge. He then lived in South Africa and the Czech Republic, before returning to the UK, studying for ordination in the Diocese of Liverpool.Ordained ministry
As a curate in the Church of England, he served at Liverpool Parish Church. After being ordained first a deacon, then a priest in the diocese, he moved to central London, and then became assistant chaplain at Tonbridge School before being given the cure of souls at Charlbury, Oxfordshire on 17 January 2024.Writing
In addition to his ministry as a vicar, Butler-Gallie is best known publicly for his writing. This includes a number of books, essays, and regular newspaper columns and opinion pieces. His books include:A Field Guide to English ClergyPriests de la Resistance!Touching Cloth: Confessions and communions of a young priestTwelve Churches: An unlikely history of the buildings that made ChristianityHe was the 2023 winner of the P. G. Wodehouse Society essay competition, for an essay titled "The Hour Breeds Thought - Night Time in the Stories Of P G Wodehouse."
Personal life
Butler-Gallie has been married to Madeline Grant, a journalist and parliamentary sketchwriter for The Spectator, since July 2025.In 2014, prior to his ordination, he appeared on Series 10, Episode 3 of TV quiz show Only Connect, presented by Victoria Coren Mitchell, as a member of 'The Wandering Minstrels.'