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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 beauty and peace. You will be most welcome.
The Very Reverend John Guille Dean of Southwell
A naive view of Southwell Minster from the South West, painted by W. Fleur in 1814
Just off-centre is our medieval Great Hall, standing proud of the Minster. Cardinal Wolsey stayed here in 1530.
If you'd like to know more about this building's fascinating history and our plans for the future, please click on the How you can help page
We warmly thank all photographers whose work is used on this website, particularly Richard Jarvis and Chris Knapton
Booking a Guided Tour
Tours of Southwell Minster, with a trained Steward, can be pre-booked via Mrs Nikki Smith in the Minster Office office@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. office@southwellminster.org.uk or 01636 812649
