A FORMER dean of Hereford Cathedral whose actions helped secure a new building for the Mappa Mundi has died.

The Very Reverend Peter Haynes, who was the Dean of Hereford between 1982 and 1992, died on March 17 aged 92.

The present dean of Hereford, the Very Reverend Michael Tavinor, explained the challenges Mr Haynes faced during his time as dean.

He said Mr Haynes will be associated with the challenges of 1988/9 relating to displaying and caring for the Mappa Mundi.

Mr Tavinor said the Chapter of the time was experiencing severe financial problems.

The 13th century Mappa Mundi was identified as a possible major source of funding and discussions were held as to its possible sale.

Mr Tavinor said: "There was a national outcry – newspapers ran the story for weeks and in Hereford, the mayor and council petitioned the Queen to save the map for the city. The Hereford Times featured the story on many occasions.

"In the end, Mappa Mundi was saved for Hereford by a major grant from the National Heritage Memorial Fund and a generous gift from J Paul Getty. These grants enabled a dedicated building for the housing of Mappa Mundi and the cathedral’s unique chained library and set up an endowment to care for the treasures for the future.

"Plans were in place before Peter’s retirement and the Mappa building was completed in 1996. Undoubtedly, the Mappa Mundi crisis was a dark time for Peter and his colleagues on the Chapter of the time, but throughout the commotion, they acted in good faith, very conscious of their responsibility to the ‘greater treasure’ of the cathedral itself.

"From this crisis emerged not only a splendid new building for Hereford, but also new national safeguards for cathedral fabric and associated treasures."

In retirement, Mr Haynes and his wife, Ruth returned to Somerset, but in 2004, they moved back to Hereford. Within a month of their move, Mrs Haynes died.

He continued to be involved in cathedral worship and life – made new friends - and at the age of 85 purchased a Mercedes-Benz convertible in which he cut quite a dash as he drove into the Cathedral Close.

Mr Tavinor said: "So many people will be united in their thanks to God for a loving and dedicated priest and also one who placed himself 'on the line' in a time of crisis, and whose actions enabled those who followed to benefit from his patience, vision and courage.

"Humanity was at his very heart: Peter was always open and friendly, welcoming newcomers and having an extraordinary ability to make others feel valued and special we shall miss him hugely in Hereford and at the cathedral."