Southwell Minster

Southwell Minster is a magnificent cathedral church in Nottinghamshire which is somewhat of a hidden gem. There’s 900 years of church history here with the present cathedral and the earlier Saxon church it replaced. The striking ‘pepper pot’ towers of the Minster can be seen for miles around and make it one of the more unusual English cathedrals. Before you head inside, take a good walk all around the building and think about how much work it took to construct. Whilst work began on the current building in the early 1100s, it wasn’t actually completed until around 1170 when the front towers were finished.

Inside the cathedral, there’s a cavernous space for worship, presided over by a huge illuminated statue of Christ. The wooden chairs which are in place for services, can be moved away to create an open space for performances. Look out for the gothic features, including the gargoyles. One of them is reputed to look like Donald Trump!

Aside from the main church, there are two other areas worth seeing. The first is the historic Chapter House which was built in around 1300 (pictured below). It’s here that you’ll find the medieval ‘Leaves of Southwell’ where hundreds of leaves are carved into the stone. Make sure you look up too as the vaulted ceiling resembles a star. The other area worth seeing is the Chapter Library which holds books and manuscripts of major importance to the history of the Minster. It’s not usually open to the pubic, but ask a guide and on occasion you will be allowed to see it.

Southwell Minster was at one time the private church of the Archbishop of York and next to the Minster are the remains of his palace (pictured below). Today you can wander around the ruins and gardens for free. The only surviving part of the original palace is a small hall which ironically is known as ‘the Great Hall’. It was restored in the Edwardian era and retains its historic ceiling beams holding up the medieval vaulted ceiling. The most famous resident of the palace was Cardinal Wolsey.

Admission to Southwell Minster is free although donations are encouraged. It’s open from 8am to 7pm daily. The Archbishop’s Palace and gardens are free and open daily from 9am to 5pm. The Minster Centre is located in small building on the site and houses a visitor’s centre and cafe. While you’re in Southwell, consider a visit to Southwell Workhouse – one of the best preserved Victorian workhouses in the UK.

LOCATION & CONTACT

Address: Southwell Minster, Church Street, Southwell, Nottinghamshire NG25 0HD
Phone: +44 1636 812649

Southwell is a 30 minute drive from Nottingham on the A612. You can also use bus services 26, 26A, 26B which run from Nottingham. Make sure you visit the town centre and its collection of independent shops