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SOUTHWELL MINSTER
Welcome to this website and the glimpses it offers of our wonderful Cathedral and Minster. Said by many to be the best kept secret among the forty-two English cathedrals, it is a gem. The Cathedral and Parish Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary is popularly known, as it has been for centuries, as ‘Southwell Minster’. Although Christian worship has taken place on this site for over 1000 years, the present Romanesque building celebrated its commencement, 900 years ago, in 2008.
Southwell Minster became the Cathedral Church of the Diocese in 1884. As the Cathedral Church of Nottinghamshire it seeks to serve diverse communities from the farms of the Dukeries in the north, with mining and ex-mining towns, and in the south the colourful city of Nottingham with its industry, universities and teaching hospitals of international repute. This stunning place still brings visitors to their knees in wonder and awe to glimpse the glory of God. The thriving community here at the Minster invites you to come and see Southwell Cathedral for yourself and enjoy its charm and peace. You will be most welcome.
The Very Reverend John Guille Dean of Southwell
On 25th March we were able to announce that the Heritage Lottery Fund has pledged £1.2 million to our project to restore and better use the former palace of The Archbishops of York, adjacent to the Minster building. Once work is completed, we will have a multi-purpose community facility, education centre and music hub. Many thanks to all those who are helping us with the funding needed to partner the Lottery grant. For further information please see Notices and News page.
Summer Exhibition
Our Summer exhibition (Saturday 18th May - Sunday 16th June) is ‘Labour of Love - Embroidery’s Tribute’. Click here for further information about the exhibition.
Colourful and precious embroideries have a traditional role in honouring Church and State and there are many special loans in the exhibition, including the dress worn by one of the young girls who carried The Queen’s coronation robe in Westminster Abbey (following our display, the dress goes to Buckingham Palace for The Royal Collection’s own celebratory exhibition). Further details from Charles Leggatt on 01636 817283 charles@southwellminster.org.uk
If you plan a visit to Southwell Minster this summer, as we hope you will, please note:
The Chapter House will be closed, except by prior appointment, from Monday 13th May - Friday 17th May and from Monday 17th June - Thursday 20th June (inclusive). During the run of ‘Labour of Love’ the exhibition admission charge (£5) will apply to those wishing to view the Chapter House carvings (see: The Leaves of Southwell page of this website).
We are happy to arrange after-hours tours of the exhibition – details from Charles Leggatt (as above).
There are three steps down into the medieval Chapter House, where the exhibition has to be held for security and curatorial reasons. Minster staff are happy to offer help as appropriate.
Do you want to ask about holding a wedding or baptism at Southwell Minster?
Please contact the Canon Pastor's PA, Mrs Nikki Smith. Phone: 01636 812649 Email: nikki@southwellminster.org.uk
Booking a guided tour of Southwell Minster
Tours of Southwell Minster, with a trained Steward, can be pre-booked via Mrs Nikki Smith in the Minster Office nikki@southwellminster.org.uk 01636 812649. If a number of visitors are coming informally and do not wish a guide, we still urge you to contact Mrs Smith to make sure there is no event, or rehearsal, in the Minster that might clash with and detract from your planned visit. An excellent audio tour is available for individual visitors to hire from the information desk.
Hiring Minster premises
Our historic Great Hall, Trebeck Hall and audio-visual room are all available for hire. Please contact Mrs Smith about this, too. nikki@southwellminster.org.uk or 01636 812649
We warmly thank all photographers whose work is used on this website, particularly Richard Jarvis and Chris Knapton
