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Southwell
Minster

Features and Fittings

Click the labels on the plan for information on the fittings in that part of the Minster.

One of the striking features of the minster for visitors is the fact that, notwithstanding the variety of periods of building, and therefore of architectural styles, there remains a coherence and a simplicity within the building. It is very 'uncluttered' and this allows the various artefacts, monuments, fixtures, fittings and works of art to be seen and enjoyed to maximum effect.

Nave

North door

North door (left)

North door (right)

This door is early to mid-14th century and the tracery was carved out of the solid wood. The motif is reticulated ogee, with quatrefoils inserted in each reticule. The cross-sections of the continuous raised muntins conform to rolls with three fillets. Since these were of maximum popularity between c1270 and c1330, a date close to 1300 is suggested for the installation of this door.

The inner porch was designed by Ronald Sims, Architect to the Cathedral and was built by Houghton’s of York in 1978. The Friends of Southwell Cathedral made a contribution to the cost.

Parvise room

The parvise room (sometimes merely 'the parvise') is situated above the north porch and is accessed from the north side triforium, which is not open to the public. There are steps down into the room from the triforium floor and the interior of the room is shown here. The photograph from c.1900 is of the north-west corner of the room and shows the fireplace and one of the three windows.

Parvise room interior (c.1900)

North porch and parvise

The photograph (left) of the exterior of the porch and the parvise, shows two smaller flanking windows and a larger central window, together with two pinnacles. The western one has holes in it and was in effect a chimney to take away the smoke from the fire shown in the interior view.

In medieval times the parvise was probably occupied by the sacristan, who was required to sleep in the church, act as a night-watchman, ring the bells at the appointed hours and be the caretaker of the collegiate church.

West door

The West Door is made of oak and is, according to Pevsner, 12th century, with medieval ironwork. Dimock, in his book of 1898, says 'the oaken doors are of the same date as those of the north porch' and this seems much more likely.

Clergy boards

Attached to the first drum pillar east of the north-west tower are two wooden panels, mounted side by side. The westerly one lists the bishops since the foundation of the diocese and the easterly one lists the provosts (latterly deans) of the cathedral. Mounted centrally above the boards one may see the arms of the diocese.

The clergy boards were designed by Ronald Sims in 1986 and made by Houghton’s of York. The cost was partially funded by the Friends of Southwell Cathedral. The Christian names of JJ Trebeck were inscribed wrongly on the right-hand board when it was made. He was baptized James John Trebeck, as shown correctly on his memorial tablet on the east wall of the North Transept. The 'Rectors of Southwell' Board was later corrected.

The names currently (2020) listed are:

Cope chest

This semicircular oak chest was given in memory of Edith Mary Caudwell in 1961. The inscription reads:

It was designed by W D Caroe and made by A Robinson of Kingston-upon-Thames. It normally houses 14 copes.

Font

Font

Detail

It is not known what happened to the medieval font but it was probably removed during the Civil Wars. The present font is dated 1661, one year after the Restoration of the Monarchy. This font was one of a commission of ten fonts made by William Baulme: the other nine are in other Nottinghamshire churches. According to the minster accounts for 1661/2 the font cost £3 2s 6d and a further 1s was paid for 'Workmen to drink for setting up ye font.'

The Victorian counterbalanced cover with the dove of peace above may be raised and lowered by hand.

Nave pulpit

Nave pulpit

Stairs

Canopy

Detail

This is a late Victorian work made by Rattee and Kett of Cambridge from a design by G F Bodley. The carved figures are of King Edwin of Northumbria; his wife Queen Ethelburga (formerly Princess Ethelburga of Kent); St. Augustine (the first Archbishop of Canterbury); the Blessed Virgin Mary with Jesus; and St Paulinus (the first Bishop of York and later de facto Archbishop of York, though never installed) with the White Rose of York on his robes.

The carved figures reflect the minster’s links with the early church and in particular with York. Paulinus, who came from Rome with Augustine, converted Ethelburga to the Christian Faith, baptized her and became her personal priest. When she journeyed north to marry Edwin, Paulinus accompanied her and began to baptize many people in the East Midlands and North. King Edwin resisted conversion but eventually Ethelburga made it a condition of marriage, so he was baptized by Paulinus in York – kneeling at a spot where Edwin later began the building of the first York Minster.

On the ledge inside the pulpit is the following inscription:

The pulpit was donated by a Miss Gordon (presumably a daughter) and was dedicated at Evensong on 11 September 1898 by Bishop Ridding.
 
Close examination of the column to the east of the Nave Pulpit reveals the faint outline of a figure on the stone: it is thought that there may have been a brass cut-out showing the Virgin Mary here.

Nave lectern

The eagle lectern in the nave is a copy of the 'Newstead Lectern' in the choir. The original podium provided for this lectern featured some very fine wrought iron work and on the step the words 'Laus Deo' (Praise be to God) could be seen picked out in nails. At present however, that podium is not in use and readers use a small plain wooden two-step platform made by David Hall in the year 2000.

Nave altar

The nave altar, made by Houghton’s of York, was a gift from the Friends of Southwell Cathedral in 1988.

Nave choir stalls

Nave altar and choir stalls

These stalls were a gift from the Friends of Southwell Cathedral. They were designed by Martin Stancliffe and made by Houghton’s of York in 1997. They incorporate tapestry hangings made by a partially-sighted designer Jacqueline James of York. These show red and blue alternately, but they can be reversed to show a neutral background in Lent and Advent.

The modern clergy seats and the stools are by Robert Thompson and Son of Kilburn and feature the trademark carved mouse.

Nave chairs

There are 1,000 nave chairs. They were manufactured in 1980 by Reynolds of Ludlow and were a gift from the Friends of Southwell Cathedral in anticipation of the centenary of the Diocese in 1984. The cost was over £28,000 and was at that time the largest single donation made by the Friends.

Notice boards

There are two wheeled notice boards, normally situated at the west end of the nave on the north side. The larger one was made by Thomas Long of Nottingham in 1959 and the smaller one was made by Robert Lee of Southwell in 1947.

Christus Rex

This figure of the risen Christ was created in 1987 by Nottinghamshire sculptor Peter Ball. The body is made of elm and the arms are made of oak: it is covered in copper and gold leaf. Christ has his arms outstretched to welcome all who come to the minster. The Friends of Southwell Cathedral made a contribution to its cost.

In 2003 it was lowered to the floor of the nave to be cleaned and re-gilded by the artist. The cost of this work was covered by the Friends of Southwell Cathedral.

South transept

The south door

The south door is painted deal of the 18th century. The inner doors were dedicated on 4 November 1995 and carry an inscription in memory of Andrew Dakin:

Door to the east

Door to the west

These doors were converted to automatic operation to provide wheelchair access in 2009.

Flight into Egypt bas relief

The bas relief fixed to the west wall of the south transept depicts ‘The Flight into Eqypt’ and is by the Newark artist Robert Kiddey (1900-1984). It dates to 1937 and was given to the minster by George Bennet in 1987.

This large piece measures about 2 m x 2 m and is on six wood panels in Kiddey's favourite Burmese Teak, carved in low relief.  It shows Mary and baby on a donkey with Joseph ahead of them on foot. Two companions on camels are riding alongside in the background.

Bread Pews

Bread Pews

Detail

Dating from the fifteenth Century, these pews are where the needy sat to receive bread and money. They are placed out of sight of people in the nave and are situated by the south door, the entrance by which clergy have always entered the minster. Underneath the most southerly of the pews is a fragment of flooring consisting of mosaic tiles, with a board offering visitors the following information:

The Saxon church mentioned is the Saxon minster which stood on the site prior to the building of the present Norman minster. Whilst the board is still displayed, current archaeological thinking considers that the mosaics may be from another Roman building. Display lighting for the tiles was provided by the Friends of Southwell Cathedral in 1985.

Pieta

This work, the smallest of the four Peter Ball pieces in the minster, can be found in the south transept. It depicts a sorrowing Mary cradling the figure of the dead Christ in her arms. It was given in memory of Mrs Pamela Irvine, the wife of Provost Murray Irvine.

South transept charity board

Set against the left-hand edge of the arch of the former southern apse, and partially curved to fit that arch, the charity board tells us:

MR CHARLES NORTHAGE gave by Will dated Septr 21st 1807, to the CHURCH-WARDENS of the Parish of SOUTHWELL, One-Hundred-Pounds to be placed on good security and the Interest thereof to be given yearly to the Poor of the district of Westhorpe, in the Parish of Southwell……………………………. ----------------------------------------------- MR THOMAS SPOFFORTH LATE ORGANIST, gave by Will dated July 19th 1823, to the Parish- Vicar of Southwell for the time being Four Hundred Pounds, in Trust to place the same on good security and to apply the Interest yearly for the educating and cloathing of as many children as the same will ex- tend to……………………………………. And also to the Parish-Vicar and Churchwardens of Southwell for the time being, the sum of Two-Hun- dred Pounds, in Trust, to place the same on good security, and to apply the Interest for purchasing Bread, to be given at Easter & Christmas, yearly, to the Poor of the said Parish of Southwell…………………………………. And also the further sum of Fifty-Pounds in Trust, to place the same on good security, and to apply the Interest for purchasing Coals, for the benefit of the Poor of the Parish of Southwell, to be given at Christ- mas yearly…………………………………………... ----------------------------------------------- N.B. The above sums, viz: of Four Hundred, Two Hundred and Fifty Pounds, are reduced by the Legacy Duty, to Three-Hundred & Sixty One Hundred & Eighty, & Forty Five Pounds HENRY HOUSON, PARISH VICAR JAMES BAILY  {   GEORGE REVILL  { CHURCH- WARDENS RICHD THOMPSON  { THOS ALDRIDGE  {

Kelham Madonna

This wooden sculpture of the Madonna and Child was created in 1952 by Alan Coleman. It was formerly in the Chapel of Kelham Hall, once home to The Society of the Sacred Mission, an Anglican Order which offered training for the priesthood to men who otherwise would not have been accepted. When the Society left Kelham Hall in 1974, the piece was presented to the Minster.

The north transept

Millennium Pilgrim

This sculpture, carved by Rory Young, was commissioned by the Friends of Southwell Cathedral and installed in 2001. The 'blue patch' in the stone was only encountered by the artist during the carving process and does not have any symbolic significance.

The Pilgrim’s Chapel

Entrance to chapel

Panoramic view of the Pilgrim's Chapel looking north-west

View looking north-east

Piscina and aumbry on the south wall

This chapel is situated on the east side of the north transept, from whence it is entered by steps down from it. It has had a varied past, serving as the first Airmen’s Chapel, minster library, choir song-school and vestry. It is in the Early English Gothic style and was probably built at the same time as, or immediately after the completion of the choir: perhaps in c1250. It replaced the Norman apsidal chapel on the north side of the church.

Its interior, with two piscinas, two aumbries and two altar stones, reflect the fact that it was built as twin chapels, with two entrances accessed via broad steps. There is evidence that these two chapels were dedicated to St Nicholas and St Stephen. Viewed from the transept, the Early English pillar is not centrally placed within the former apsidal arch, but, having entered, one can see that the pillar divides the chapel into two equal sections with equal vaults.
 
In 1884 the twin chapels were abandoned and the whole area furnished as a single chapel, designated the Chapel of St Eadburgh. St Eadburgh, Abbess of Repton, the only Saxon woman to be canonized, died and was buried at Repton. The persistent fighting and skirmishing which took place in Mercia led to her body being moved to Southwell, where a shrine was established. It is not known where this was located, but it must be assumed that after the building of the Saxon Minster, the shrine was moved to within that church. It may be that the shrine was abandoned when the Norman Minster was completed, or more probably (in view of the dedication referred to above) it may have been installed in the north transept apse. The shrine is last mentioned in a document of 1020.

The screen which encloses the Pilgrim’s Chapel was made (with the exception of the carved panels at the bottom) in 1984 by Houghton’s of York, to a Sims design. The lower part is the original, designed by W D Caroe and made by Cornish and Gaymer of North Walsham in May 1904.

The fittings within the Pilgrim’s Chapel, which was dedicated as such in 1984, are listed below.

Hexagonal altar

Hexagonal altar

Seats and kneeling desks

Designed by Ronald Sims in 1988 and made by Houghton of York.

Stalls

There are 19 individual seats, together with six matching kneeling desks, designed by Ronald Sims in 1988 and made by Houghton of York.

Hexagonal lighting set

This was designed by Ronald Sims in 1988.

Portrait

The portrait by an unknown artist on the west wall to the north of the entrance has been identified as that of St Catherine, and is thought to have come from the former Chapel of St Catherine, Westhorpe.

Chair

The chair by the door was made in the 19th century in Ottery St Mary, Devon, and was given to the minster by Canon Bailey.

Kneelers

The green kneelers with designs of ivy and oak were made by a group of embroiderers in Grimsby.

Tapestry

The tapestry is by Geraldine Brock and was commissioned by the Nottinghamshire Constabulary in 1990 to commemorate 150 years of policing in the county. St James, the patron saint of pilgrims, is seen with a staff, a purse and a bag decorated with a shell, and is the focal point of the design. The figures on horseback are characters associated with The Canterbury Tales: Chaucer himself, the Man of Law and The Pardoner. Various symbols, some local, are incorporated into the design: the dove of peace, the minster pepperpots, the Chapter House, the scales of justice, Sherwood Forest, ploughed fields and the River Trent.

Holy Family sculpture

In the old aumbry stands a delightful sculpture of the Holy Family, depicting Jesus as a young boy with Mary and Joseph: all have European facial features. It was carved by Cecelia Webb (1889-1970) of Melton Mowbray in 1949 and it is known that a Mr Bruce Coleman and his mother and father, residents of that town, were the models for the group. The work was commissioned by Dr Mary Elliott of Cropwell Butler and presented to the minster as a memorial to her parents.

The Friends of Southwell Cathedral contributed to the cost of refurbishing the Pilgrims’ Chapel.

The Historic Chapter Library

Immediately to the west of the chapter house passage is a door, which when entered, leads up some steep and awkward steps to the Historic Chapter Library, housed on the floor above the Pilgrims’ Chapel to the north of the choir. The space has had a number of uses over the centuries and was previously called the Old Treasury.

The present door is seventeenth century and is of painted deal. The two vestry doors nearby were designed by W D Caroe in 1919.

It is established that the Canons of the Collegiate Church had a library before the Civil War although little is known about it. In 1548, in a valuation made for the Chantry Commissioners of Edward VI, ‘certaine books in the librarie’ were recorded and valued. Most of the contents of the Library were lost with the scattering of books and charters in the churchyard by Scottish soldiers in 1645. After the Restoration of the Monarchy in 1660, the Chapter was re-established, and by 1690 a start was made in creating a library. A fine collection of books was given by a certain Edward Lee of Norwell, and many are still identifiable since they have his signature.

The restored collection was housed in the old Grammar School chamber at the west end of the south nave aisle eastwards from Booth’s Chapel. Lee’s collection was augmented from time to time by gifts from the canons and vicars and by a few books bought by the chapter in the eighteenth century. In 1784, Booth’s Chapel and the library were pulled down and the books were then housed in a new room built to the east of the south transept. This building was in turn pulled down in 1825 and the books removed to the music school and vicars’ vestry (now the Airmen’s Chapel) where they remained until well into the twentieth century. Finally the books were put into the old treasury where they are at present.

The historic archives, however, were for many years housed in the parvise room above the north porch, accessed from the north side triforium. In 2003, most of this archival material was deposited at Nottinghamshire Archives in Nottingham, although catalogues are still maintained in the library.

The Historic Chapter Library is bounded on the south side by the north wall of the choir and on the west side by the inner east wall of north transept triforium. In the middle section of the latter there is a small blocked doorway: it is clearly visible from the ground floor of the transept, on the inner side of the walkway. The library has four windows to the east, which look down onto the inner 'courtyard' area bounded by the chapter house, St Thomas’ Chapel, the north wall of the choir and the chapter house passage. On the fourth (northern) side of the library, the windows look towards Church Street.

The choir

Roman ceiling plaster

Although this plasterwork, painstakingly put together from recovered fragments, is displayed in the vertical, it once graced the ceiling of a bath-house of the Roman villa in Southwell. It was discovered during an archaeological excavation in 1959 off Church Street near the old Minster School buildings. A cupid and fishes can be seen as well as what looks rather like a turtle. The painting is at least 1600 years old.

The archaeologists concluded that the original bath-house must have been replaced by a second and probably larger one. During reconstruction, the plaster was scraped off the ceiling and the fragments left to lie on the floor. Then a new floor was concreted in. During the dig the fragments were found, recovered and painstakingly fitted together. There are more fragments, but they do not make a recognizable picture.

Stations of the Cross

Stations of the cross in the south choir aisle

Station 5

Station 11

Station 13

This series of 14 touchable sculptures cast in aluminium by the artist Jonathan Clarke was originally destined for the rear garden of Sacrista Prebend in Westgate. (A companion piece by Clarke – 'The Road to Emmaus' – is at the front of that building). Persistent vandalism of the latter led to the Stations being confined to the minster. They are displayed at different times in three different locations in the Minster: the south choir aisle, the chapter house passage, or the chapter house itself. The square columns upon which the sculptures rest were funded by the Friends of Southwell Cathedral in 1999.

Choir pulpit

Virgin and Child

The choir pulpit is of teak and was designed by W D Caroe and made by Robinson of Bloomsbury. The carving shows the Virgin and Child. The pulpit was the gift of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners and was dedicated by Bishop Ridding on 9 May 1897. The words inscribed upon it read 'In the beginning was the word'.

Until 1987 every preacher climbed into the pulpit using stairs from the Airmens’ Chapel, but in that year the arrangements were remodelled by Ronald Sims: the previous entry was closed with a new panel and a new opening was created on the other side of the pillar, allowing new steps to be built from chancel level.

Model of the minster

This was made by Clive Holmes from Holton-le Cley, a serving fire officer in Cleethorpes who requested anonymity when he presented it to the minster. It contains 35,000 matchsticks and took three years to build.

Ecce Homo ('Behold the Man')

Another wooden sculpture by Peter Ball, made from part of a railway sleeper, with copper for the hands, feet and head. This is often to be found in the north choir aisle, west of the Airmen’s Chapel, but it may be positioned elsewhere.

Mothers’ Union banners

Hanging on the north wall just to the west of the model case is a Mother’s Union banner. It is inscribed Southwell Minster and is the banner of the Minster Branch. Nearby is the diocesan banner, which is on a metal stand. It was made in 2003 to replace a previous fabric which had become worn and carried the legend 'THE DIOCESE OF SOUTHWELL'. In 2006, after the name of the Diocese had been changed, it was necessary to send the banner back to the maker (Juliet Hemingray of Derby) for the wording to be altered to 'THE DIOCESE OF SOUTHWELL AND NOTTINGHAM'.

Royal Coat of Arms

Above the string course just to the west of the library door is a diamond-shaped board. At first sight a hatchment, it is in fact the Coat of Arms of Charles I with the date 1629 upon it. 1629 was the year that Charles I dismissed his third Parliament and embarked upon an eleven year period of Personal Rule: as a consequence, there may have been an order to churches to display the Coat of Arms.

It is surprising that the board survived the Commonwealth period in such a Parliamentary town, but it may have been hidden. The Friends of Southwell Cathedral paid for its conservation in 1995.

Wymondesold charity board

To the west of the Royal Coat of Arms is a rectangular board with the following inscription:

Mr Wymondesold’s Chimes were badly damaged by the disastrous fire of 1711, but were repaired.

Royal Maundy

Immediately beneath the Wymondesold board is a montage recording the visit by Queen Elizabeth II in 1984 (the Centenary of the Diocese) to distribute the Royal Maundy.

Large charity board

High on the north wall of the choir is a large board recording Donations to the Poor of the Parish of Southwell. There are two columns and the text reads:

DONATIONS to the POOR of the PARISH of SOUTHWELL. Dame Frances Pierpont gave Novr, 13th, 1621, an annuity of 10£, payable out of an estate situate in the parish of Bleasby, now in ye possesion of Sr Richard Sutton, Bart to be distributed equally at Micha- -elmas amongst ten of the most indi­ -gent & aged persons. — — — — + Bartholomew Fillingham Esqr, gave March 20th 1696, the sum of 100£ to purchase land; the rent of which is to be distributed yearly in bread at the Church between Christmas and Easter. — — — — + Bartholomew Burton Esqr gave also the sum of 100£ & Jeremiah — Brailsford Esqr Octr 9th, 1725, the sum of 10£ for the same purpose as the last mentioned charity. — — — + Henry Nicholson Esqr gave March 14th 1677, one moiety of his lands, and tenements in Elston, for the benefit of the poor; the rents of which are half yearly to be distributed amongt, so many persons, as the sum shall ex­ tend to at the rate of 10 each; the same person is not to have this charity two half years successively. — — — + William Thornton Esqr gave Augt27th, 1714, the sum of 3£ 12s pay­ able yearly at Martinmas out of the rents of a messuage in Southwell, now in the possession of Mr Little, to purchase coats to be given to six poor persons; the same person is not to have a coat oftener than once in 3 years. + Jeremiah Brailsford Esqr gave March 5th, 1717, the sum of 10£ to the Justices of the peace of the liberty of Southwell, to purchase coals for the use of the poor, subject to such trusts as are mentioned in the overseers book. + Mrs Margaret Crofts gave Jany 9th, 1719, the sum of 1£ 8s to buy flax, to be given yearly about Candle- mas to four poor women, that have no yearly collection. + Thomas Brailsford Esqr gave July 13th, 1744, a house in Easthorpe with its appurtenances, & ten cow- gates & 3 feet in Easthorpe pasture for the instruction of ten poor children in reading, sewing, & knitting. — —   + Richard Stenton Esqr gave, Augst 9th, 1771, the sum of 150£, to be placed out upon mort­ gage; the interest of which is yearly to be applied to the instruction of ten poor children in reading. — —   + The Revd John Laverack gave, June 5th, 1775, the profits arising from the stone-cross close to be applied yearly to the education & cloathing of such a Number of poor chil­ dren, as the same shall extend to. — + The Revd Richard Barrow gave, May 4th, 1787, the sum of 2£ 12s 6d to purchase coals for the benefit of the poor, subject to the same trust, as ye 10£ left by Jeremiah Brailsford Esqr — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —   NB. A more particular account of these charities is to be found in the overseer’s book. — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —   The Revd Henry Houson,  Jon Hucknall } —   Parish Vicar  Willm Nicholson }     ————— — — Overseer’s. Thos Brunt, }     Edwd Bucklow, } Church- wardens Jon Richardson: —— Richd Elsam, }     Richd Fletcher, }   ———— Pinxit, 1788.

Choir lectern

The eagle lectern in the choir was made in Tournai in 1503 and was the property of the monks of Newstead Abbey. During the Dissolution of the Monasteries (1536-40) the monks wrapped up the lectern and lowered it into the Abbey lake. They were summarily banished and the Abbey and the estate were given to Sir John Byron, so the monks were never able to reclaim the lectern.

It remained beneath the water for 250 years, at which point the lake was drained and the lectern was discovered. It was sent to Nottingham for cleaning and to be auctioned: eventually it was purchased by the Dean of Lincoln, Sir Richard Kaye, a former Prebendary of the Minster. Sir Richard presented it to the minster on 18 April 1805.

Around the shaft is the inscription:

Translation: 'Pray for the soul of Ralph Savage, and for the souls of all the Faithful Departed.' (Livett, 1883).

Chandelier

A brass chandelier hangs above the eagle lectern. It carries the inscription 'BONI EX BONIS 1769'.

For many years the ornamental finial, taking the form of five swirling tongues of flame, had been missing: but through the generosity of the Friends of Southwell Cathedral, a new finial was cast in 2006.

Choir stalls

There are four blocks of stalls on both the north and the south side.

Choir stalls looking west

North choir stalls

North choir stalls

Carving by Simpson on the north choir stalls

South choir stalls

Simpson Stalls

Detail of carving on north choir stalls

South choir stall

The four blocks of choir stalls (two to the north and two to the south) were carved in 1886 by Charles Henry Simpson (1856-1936), who was the principal woodcarver for the firm of Cornish and Gaymer of North Walsham in Norfolk. They show a multitude of wonderful carvings of plants, animals, insects, musical instruments and mythical creatures. There are also two Green Men, one looking very much like a cat.

The cartoons of C H Simpson’s carvings were presented to the minster in 1934 and are in the chapter library. From time to time they are on display in the three glass display cases in the chapter house passage.

Caroe Stalls

The blocks of stalls to the east of the Simpson pews were designed by W D Caroe and were dedicated on 5 February 1902. They were also made by Cornish and Gaymer, but whether the carver was C H Simpson is not known.

A brass plaque is affixed to the Sacrista stall in the south choir stalls. The inscription reads:

Honorary canons' stalls

The back rows of stalls on both the north and south sides, and extending across both the Simpson Stalls and the Caroe Stalls are named for the honorary canons. (New canons are 'placed in their stall' at a service in the minster). All such stalls carry the names of the parishes, not names of individuals.

1. Churchwarden   17. Churchwarden 2. Churchwarden   18. Churchwarden 3. SOUTH MUSKHAM   19. SACRIST 4. Ecumenical Canon   20. Ecumenical Canon 5. OXTON & CROPWELL II   21. NORTH MUSKHAM 6. Retford   22. NORWELL III 7. BECKINGHAM   23. NORWELL OVERHALL 8. Rector Chori   24. HALLOUGHTON 9. RAMPTON   25. WOODBOROUGH 10. NORTH LEVERTON   26. OXTON & CROPWELL I 11. DUNHAM   27. EATON 12. NORWELL PALISHALL   28. NORMANTON 13. Beauvale   29. Mattersey 14. Thurgaton   30. Lenton 15. Rufford   31. Welbeck 16. [No nameplate]   32. Kelham

(Prebendal stalls shown in capitals. Nameplates reproduced exactly as styled).

Clergy stalls

The six clergy stalls are built into recesses in the east wall of the pulpitum. Each stall has a misericord, carved from oak and dating from the 14th century. The stall to the south of the centre aisle is the Bishop’s Stall, whilst the one to the north of the aisle is the Dean’s Stall. The decoration on the back of the Bishop's stall is called diaper work and the stall itself is usually known as Wolsey’s Stall: it was used by him when he lived for five months in the Archbishop’s Palace in 1530 and preached in the minster.

Details of misericords in the six stalls, named for their offices, from north to south:

Assistant (Suffragan) Bishop (Stall 34 on the plan above)

Kneeling figure holding foliage.

Plaque on the stall reads 'EPISCOPUS DE SHERWOOD'.

Wooden screens

Screen between north stalls and north aisle

Choir stalls and plaster screens (1839)

There are oak screens between the stalls and the choir aisles on both the north and south sides. These are in the two most westerly bays. They were erected between 1875 and 1887 by Cornish and Gaymer, to replace the plaster screens built by the Bernasconi brothers (which had canopies over the back row of stalls).

Music stand

The music stand, positioned on the north side at the eastern end of the more westerly of the Simpson stalls, is of oak and was made by Robert Lee of Southwell in 1947.

St Thomas’s Chapel

This was possibly the site of the first chantry chapel, founded in 1241 by Robert de Lexington and dedicated in honour of St Thomas the Martyr (Thomas Beckett).

Sedilia

The south wall of the chapel has a set of five-seat sedilia. There is an aumbry in the north wall and a double piscina in the east wall.

At the present time this chapel is being used as a clergy vestry, with a curtain closing it off. For the moment, therefore, visitors do not have access to it. From outside, however, it is possible to see, above the curtain, something of the three very fine two-light windows by Kempe which the Chapel contains.

The fittings within the chapel include more work by Robert Thompson.

Altar

The altar is by Thompson and is half of the original nave altar.

Cross and candlesticks

These are by Thompson.

Prayer desk

This is a Thompson piece.

Credence table

Given in 1926 in honour of Mrs E A Merrywether.

Airmen’s Chapel

The Airmen's Chapel looking east

The east end of the Airmen's Chapel

This chapel was, some believe, the site of the chantry chapel founded by Richard Sutton in 1283 and dedicated in honour of St Peter and St Paul. It is also, perhaps, the site of the tomb of Archbishop de Corbridge.

It became the Airmen’s Chapel in March 1984, the title being transferred from the chapel now called The Pilgrim’s Chapel.

There is an aumbry space in the north wall and a double piscina set into the east wall.

The fittings within the Chapel are listed below.

Altar

The altar in this chapel is made from pieces of wood taken from crashed aircraft during the First World War, and was made by apprentices at an RAF station near Sheffield. It was formerly used in the church at Norton Woodseats and given to the minster in 1919. The cross is made from used shell cases.

Triptych

The triptych (a painting on three hinged panels, which can be in either the open or the closed position) was created in 1988 by Hamish Moyle, a member of the Little Gidding Community, and was inspired by Dame Edith Sitwell’s poem And Still Falls the Rain, a work which speaks of sacrifice and the tragedy of war.

On the communion rail is a miniature of the triptych, enabling both positions to be examined. On the back of the replica is the text of the poem.

Carved lectern

Communion rail, carpet with RAF crest and lectern

Aumbry, altar, lectern and double piscina

The provenance of this lectern, with its very fine carved wooden eagle, has not been determined.

Communion Rail

This was made at RAF Newton in 1984. The top is of teak and carries a carving of an albatross.

Kneelers

The embroidered kneelers were designed by Professor Anne Morrell and embroidered by local ladies.

Carpet

The blue carpet with the RAF crest was given by the variety artistes Elsie and Doris Waters ('Gert and Daisy') in 1941 'in thanksgiving for the devotion and bravery of the RAF in the present conflict'.

Small kneeling desk

This is of oak and was made at RAF Cranwell in 1926.

Chair

In the south-west corner of the chapel is a chair which has a small plate on the back carrying the inscription:

Chairs

Sixteen chairs are set out 4x4, but the configuration can be changed.

Sanctuary

Much of the oak furniture was made in the workshops of Robert Thompson of Kilburn in North Yorkshire in 1949. His pieces always carry a small carved mouse.

Altar cross

The inscription along the base of the silver altar cross reads:

Communion rail

The Communion Rail is a fine pierced work by Thompson, featuring the characteristic rippled top produced by the use of the adze, an ancient hand tool. There is a mouse low down to the north and to the south.

Three-person kneeling desk on south side

An outstanding piece of Thompson work, delivered to the Minster in 1949.

Small kneeling desk in lighter oak on south side

By Robert Thompson, but believed to be of later date than 1949.

Cathedra

Cathedra and desk

Cathedra, desk and Dean's Chair and Desk

The Cathedra is on the North side. It is by Robert Thompson and was made as a memorial to Bishop Mosley. The inscription reads:

There is a carved mouse on the left (east-side) arm support.

The desk was given by the parish as a memorial to Bishop Hoskyns in 1926. A brass plate on the desk reads:

Along the bottom of the desk side is another inscription:

Dean’s chair and kneeling desk

Made of oak by Robert Thompson in 1957. It is a memorial to Provost W J Conybeare who was rector from 1919 to 1945 and bears his coat of arms. The inscription reads:

Small kneeling desk on north side

By Robert Thompson, but believed to be of later date than 1949

Chairs and credence table

There are five chairs of various provenance and a small credence table.

The small paneled credence table had been an altar in a village church near Devizes. It was found in a farmhouse, covered in paint and in use as a cupboard. It was bought, cleaned and given to the Minster.

The provenance of the chairs placed either side of the Credence Table is not known.

Sanctuary Floor

The marble floor in the Sanctuary was laid in 1887.

Sedilia and piscina

Piscina and sedilia

Detail of the decorated canopy

Detail of the decorated canopy

Detail of carving

The stone seats with a decorated canopy on the south side of the sanctuary date from about 1340. Three seats are the normal complement, but here there are five: a very rare provision. The sedilia have not always been in this position, as evidenced by the fact that they obscure the lower part of the window. The piece underwent some restoration work in the nineteenth century, carried out by the brothers Bernasconi.

St Oswald’s Chapel

This chapel is dedicated to St Oswald, Archbishop of York from 962 to 992, who had an important role in establishing the Saxon minster. The fittings within the chapel include are listed below.

Altar

St Oswald's Chapel

Altar with raven frontal

The altar frontal featuring a raven is by John Piper (an alternative bright green frontal, given to the Minster by the Diocese of Natal, may be in use). Piper also did the gilding and other refurbishment. The artist’s research told him that St Oswald had a raven as a personal device: unfortunately he looked up the wrong St Oswald. The real dedicatee was Archbishop of York and represents a further strong York connection for the minster. He died in Worcester in 992, washing the feet of the faithful on Maundy Thursday – he was Bishop of Worcester as well as Archbishop.

The other St Oswald lived from 605 to 642. After the pagans had killed King Edwin in 633 and Christianity had been sent into retreat, Oswald fought back, seized the throne of Northumbria and revived Christianity throughout the north. Stories about him relate that his constant companion was a pet raven. He revitalized York as a Christian centre, so the 'wrong' Oswald does have a link with Southwell after all!

Reredos

The reredos

Detail

The limed oak reredos was designed by W D Caroe and carved by Messrs Boulton of Cheltenham. The figures were gilded in 1990 at the expense of Mr Eric Freckingham under the supervision of Ronald Sims.

Credence table

The credence table is by Robert Thompson, with an incised mouse.

Altar rails

The two altar rails were made in memory of John Huxley, Canon of Norwich, who was at the minster from 1883 to 1900. A brass plate on one of the altar rails reads:

The red kneelers were embroidered in 1982 by a group led by Mrs Wakeling, the wife of the 7th Bishop of Southwell.

Sedilia

A set of three-seat stone sedilia is on the south wall of the chapel.

The Chapel of Christ the Light of the World

Aumbry

Double piscina and tomb recess

This former chantry chapel has been known variously as the Blessed Walter Hilton Chapel, the Southwell Saints Chapel and the Boys Chapel. It is now designated as a secluded place reserved for private prayer and contemplation. Individuals may come and kneel in prayer, or light a candle to a loved one, or complete a petition card.

There is an aumbry in the east wall and a double piscina in the south wall, which also has a tomb niche.

The fittings within the chapel include are listed below.

Christ the Light of the World

Another sculpture carved by Peter Ball and completed in 1990.

The Friends of Southwell Cathedral contributed to the cost.

Votive candle stand

The candle stand was designed by Martin Stancliffe, made by Don Barker and Houghton’s of York and given by the Friends of Southwell Cathedral in 1992.

Sedilia

The sedilia

There is a set of three-seat stone sedilia on the west side of the chapel.

Pair of chairs

The eighteenth century chairs in the south-west corner and in the south-east corner are for the use of the Lord Lieutenant and the Lord Lieutenant’s Lady. They are of oak, carved and pegged in the gothic style. The cushions for these two chairs were made for them when they stood in the Airmen’s Chapel and the cushions match the kneelers in the latter location

Pair of chairs

Two plain chairs for the Archdeacons, one along the east wall, to the south and the other along the east wall, in the middle.

Chair

A chair along the east wall, to the north, with a mitre, commonly referred to as the Bishop of Sherwood’s chair, but older than that office.

Kneeling bench

Provenance not known.

Table

The table in front of the small door is used for prayer cards.

Wooden lectern

This is by Robert Thompson of Kilburn.

The chapter house

The chapter house is accessed from the north choir aisle by descending three steps and walking along the passageway. It is presumed that the chapter house was built externally and then the passageway was built to link it to the church. The entrance arch projects above the string course. The foliage on the arch and the capitals is: to the left, hawthorn and buttercup; to the right, maple with winged seeds.

The wrought iron gates were installed in 1934 and were made by Frederick Cauldron, a blacksmith from Brant Broughton. The Bishop's arms are on the left, with Provost Conybeare's on the right. (In the same year Mr Cauldron made wrought iron gates which were installed at the entrances to the north and south choir aisles).

The buttresses of the Pilgrims' Chapel are built into the south wall. The present roof was put in by Ewan Christian in the 19th century, together with the small doorway, and the larger one giving on to a spiral staircase to the roof space.

Chapter house stalls

Stalls

Stalls

Each member of the chapter had his own stall in the chapter house as well as in the choir. His title and his income came from the village he represented, hence the names on the stalls.

The old minster chapter ceased to be in the late nineteenth century, but the present cathedral has a chapter which continues with the traditional names.

The stalls are named as follows from the presidential seat (inscribed Decanus):

The 36th seat on the north side of the entrance arch is not named.

Table

The hexagonal table was originally a tester (a sounding board above a pulpit) and was given by Gedling All Hallows, when it became redundant there. It is inscribed with the following (each phrase occupying one of the six sides):

If thou chance to find
An house build to thy mind
Without thy cost
Serve thou the more
God and the poor:
And then thy labour’s not lost

Chair

The chair, commonly called Cromwell’s Chair is probably 17th century, but little is known about it.

Small table

This is a Jacobean walnut table used by the Chapter. Probably one of the best pieces of furniture in the Minster.

Passage table

Outside the chapter house entrance arch, at the north end of the passageway is a copy of the Gedling table, but of much later date.