See the official Minstare website
Southwell Minster from the South-West Corner Originally, Southwell Minster was that; a minster church It was a church run by priests who worked and preached in surrounding villages. Some of the minster housing still exists in the Prebend at the east end of the Minster, although this housing no longer belongs to the minster. The new diocese of Southwell was formed in 1884, and with the appointment of a Bishop of Southwell, the minster (and parish church of St Mary the Virgin) became a cathedral. It is one of Britain's lesser known cathedral churches, and is one of Nottinghamshire's hidden treasures; little known because it lies off the hidden track. Paulinus, the missionary bishop of York may have built a church here as early as 630, and there are traces of Angle-Saxon remains. The present church was built beginning in 1108 by Archbishop Thomas of York. It took 200 years to bring it to its present form, the quire is of a later style: the nave is four-square solid norman; the quire is early english and there is a tremendous difference is 'feel' The chapter house was the last part to be built in the mid-14th century in a rich decorated style. It is the jewel in the minster's crown on account of the detailed, delicate carved heads to the pillars which divide each of the canon's seats. Originally the west towers were topped by spires but these were destroyed by lightning on 5 November 1711
 The Nave |
 South Nave Aisle |
 The West Windo |
GUIDED TOUR If you enter by the north door first walk through into the nave and notice the new stained-glass in the main west window, dating from 1997. The window itself is a fine example of perpendicular architecture. If you then return to the north aisle and walk round the minster in a clock-wise direction, the following features are of special note: North Transept. Note the saxon tympanum above the door in the left-hand corner. On the other side the Pilgrim's Chapel is reserved as a place of quiet
North Choir Aisle. A doorway on the left leads through into the Chapter House. There is too much to describe here: just observe for yourself: you can purchase a booklet at the Information Desk. In the Chapel of St Thomas the Blessed sacrament is reserved The Airman's Chapel against the east wall contains the Katyn Memorial. Sanctuary and High Altar. Above the altar is the east window; unusual is having four lights. The lower windows contain 16th century glass. The Quire (Early English) contains Victorian stalls. Note the 16th century Eagle Lectern South Choir Aisle.
 Chapter House carvings |
Crossing with Quire Screen |
 The Quire |
 The South Quire Aisle |
There are two chapels. Against the east wall that of St Oswald and on the angle that of Christ the Light of the World. A painting on the south wall, just before you come to the crossing is from the house of a nearby Roman villa. South Transept On the right-hand side note the Bread Pews. Under them is the floor of an earlier saxon church. Nave . The large round pillars are norman, with the triforium above. Notice, above the choir screen the Peter Ball sculpture of 'Christus Rex'
