James Coutts

Revd Canon James Coutts (d. 2016) was vicar of St Mary’s Monmouth in the 1980s and 90s. He was instrumental in the restoration of Monmouth Priory and attracted outstanding people to his mission in Monmouth. Victor de Waal, the former deanof Canterbury, was effectively his assistant; he nurtured the vocation of Una Kroll, one of the first women ordained a priest in the Anglican church; Rowan Williams, then bishop of Monmouth, also took part in services. In retirement he read Shakespeare, led retreats and helped out with services at Ty Mawr Convent nearby.