Michael Staffurth Stancliffe (8 April 1916 â 26 March 1987) was an English Anglican priest who served as the Dean of Winchester from 1969 to 1986.
Stancliffe trained for ordination at Lincoln Theological College, and was ordained deacon in 1940 and priest in 1941. He was a curate at St James', Southbroom, Devizes 1940âÂÂ1943 before becoming the priest-in-charge at Ramsbury 1943âÂÂ1944, and then curate of Cirencester and priest-in-charge of Holy Trinity, Watermoor, Cirencester, 1944âÂÂ1949.
He was then a Master and Chaplain at Westminster School 1949âÂÂ1957 and also Preacher to Lincoln's Inn, 1954âÂÂ1957. Following this he was Rector of St Margaret's, Westminster, a Canon of Westminster Abbey 1957âÂÂ1969, and Speaker's Chaplain 1961âÂÂ1969 before his elevation to the Deanery of Winchester.
He was a member of General Synod 1970âÂÂ1980 and Chairman of the Council for Places of Worship, 1972âÂÂ1975; Fellow of Winchester College 1973. He was also considered for the post of Bishop of Carlisle.
His son, David Stancliffe, was the Bishop of Salisbury.