Despite Thom's assertion that the song has nothing to do with the headmaster of Abingdon School, he has also said on other occasions this adversarial figure of his past was the inspiration for 'Bishop's Robes', calling him a fascist and a crap headmaster.
'Bishop's Robes' was recorded in early september 1995 during a session which also produced 'Lucky'. Thom plays the guitar solo on this song.