For Adults
Learning is central to the mission and outreach of Southwell Minster. The stunning Cathedral sits on a site which tells the story of our land from Roman times and, along with the Archbishop's Palace and Gardens, makes a rich resource for learning. We welcome all age groups to the Minster and regularly run guided tours and public talks.
We aspire to offer learning for all – schools, community groups, adults and the interested visitor – keep an eye on the events calendar to see what’s on.
Exploring Worship
A season of talks, services and events will help you delve deeper into the Christian faith and the world of worship at the Minster.
Shine a Light on… we are shining a light on aspects of the Minster’s life, history & heritage.
Whether you're a heritage enthusiast or simply curious, join us for fascinating insights from academics, experts, and our own passionate guides. Tickets are £7 and may be bought in advance through Eventbrite or the Cathedral shop, or on the door. Find out more about the speakers and the content by selecting a tile below. This series of talks complements Luke Jerram’s magnificent ‘Helios’ (sun) installation which will be in the Minster in July / August 2026.
Click here to find out more about our series of adult learning talks>>
The group meets in person in term-time and is led by Alison Millbank. The group decide what they want to study.
Theology Group Programme 2025-2026
Alison Milbank is Professor of Theology and Literature at the University of Nottingham and Canon Theologian at Southwell Minster. She works on many aspects of the relation of faith and the arts from Dante to Harry Potter, with a particular expertise in Gothic and horror fiction. She is currently writing on divine indwelling and the agency of nature in natural philosophy, poetry and art and a sequel to For the Parish, which she co-wrote with Andrew Davison in 2010: The Once and Future Parish.
To book a place please email: milbankalison@gmail.com
Southwell Minster supports an annual series of House Groups. They provide an informal opportunity for members of the Minster community to get to know each other, learn and explore together questions about life and faith, grow spiritually, and feed through ideas and suggestions relating to Minster activities.
Each series runs from September to February, with a break for Christmas. People meet fortnightly in groups of seven to ten, in people’s homes and elsewhere. All are very welcome.
If you would like to join, or would like further information, please contact Vicky Thorpe by vthorpe20@gmail.com, or Hugh Middleton by ringing 01623 411496 or emailing hugh.middleton@nottingham.ac.uk
It is the brief of this group on behalf of the Cathedral and parish to receive and distribute annually the money that is awarded in “Tithe” (tenth) from the overall giving of its worshipping community. The mission group members advise the Chapter about minster links with mission charities here and abroad and send regular aid to those charities. At the moment we support 5 charities overseas and several others doing God’s work here at home. We have also been able to send extra funds to the Al-Ahi Anglican hospital in Gaza City at a time of great need because of the present war. Our links with the other members of the Justice Action groups enable a continual flow of contacts, prayers and new areas where we may be able to build and embed opportunities of mission.
The Minster’s Justice Action Group was formed in 2013 following a house group series using the excellent diocesan materials, Seeking Justice. The group has three main aims:
- To coordinate the ‘doing justice’ work undertaken by the Minster
- To develop new initiatives
- To ensure that justice is embedded in all aspects of the Minster’s mission and ministry.
We work closely with Churches Together in Southwell, not least its Christian Aid Committee, and partner organisations beyond the local church, e.g. Framework housing Association and Church Action on Poverty.
Issues currently being addressed include homelessness, poverty and inequality both in UK and overseas, modern slavery, food poverty/foodbank, migration and support of a weekly vigil for world peace. Additionally we have three working groups: the Southwell Minster Environmental Action Group, the Fairtrade Group and the Mission Partnership Group, outlines of which follow. I, or the leader of each group, would be delighted to chat with anyone about our work. Patrick Sills, Chair
SOUTHWELL MINSTER ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION GROUP
Southwell Minster is responsible for a significant acreage of gardens, lawn and historic grasslands, which are being managed to enhance biodiversity in partnership with the Christian conservation charity, A Rocha. Concern for God’s Creation is a feature of our regular worship. We work with several other local environmentally concerned organisations and Southwell Town Council, and in April 2024 we were awarded ‘Silver’ Eco-Cathedral status. Hugh Middleton, Group Convenor.
MINSTER FAIRTRADE GROUP
As a certified Fairtrade Cathedral, Southwell Minster is committed to promoting trade justice and ethical consumption. The Fairtrade Working Group ensures the Minster upholds its certification standards, raises awareness of global trade inequalities, and supports producers through the use and sale of Fairtrade products. We organise events, worship resources, and educational activities to encourage the congregation and wider community to choose Fairtrade and live out the Minster’s mission of justice and compassion.