Southwell Minster's Chapter House re-opens after £3.1m refurbishment
The late 13th Century Chapter House at Southwell Minster is set to officially re-open tonight (Friday) following a £3.1m restoration.
The minster's 16-month Leaves of Southwell project has seen the building transformed for future generations with the additions of underfloor heating and a cantilever lift to make the building accessible to all.
The Very Rev Nicola Sullivan, Dean of Southwell, said: “We are so much looking forward to sharing again our beautiful and inspiring Chapter House with all who visit the minster, especially celebrating that it is now accessible to everyone.
"The success of this project is the way is draws different people together, marvelling at how medieval stones speak to our very modern concerns about nature and caring for creation."
Alongside added accessibility features, the project has also improved and restored the tactile carvings on the Chapter House walls.
High-tech lighting will now illuminate the building properly for the first time in its 700-year-old history, allowing visitors to see the carvings day or night.
"Chapter House at Southwell Minster is over 700 years old and over many, many years, it has been recognised that there has been some deterioration in its magnificent carvings," she said.
"The project began with just simply knowing that we needed to repair the roof, we needed to control the humidity in this fabulous building.
"When we began to talk to people about how we could fund that, they said why don't you do a lot more. Help as many people as possible understand the history of this place and what it's saying to us today.
"We're a bit of a secret, and I would like more people to know about the secret and for us to reveal the stories of this astonishing place."
It is hoped the restoration will attract community groups over the winter months.
Helen Bates, community engagement co-ordinator for Southwell Minster, said: "It'll be great now to get groups and visitors come in. We've now got underfloor heating, so that means we can do things in the winter and in the evenings.
"The pandemic was very difficult. I should have been running events that were linked to the conservation of the building, but none of that could happen.
"That's why we want to switch the focus to outside activities also. Over summer, we've done lots of nature trails and community walks around the local area. We're hoping to do more of those going forward because they've proved really popular."
The project was funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Friends of Southwell Cathedral and other private donors.
The whole project will be completed in May 2022, with the addition of an outdoor learning centre in the minster garden.
Anne Jenkins, Midlands and East director for the National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “We are delighted to have supported Southwell Minster with the preservation of Chapter House, with money raised by the National Lottery players.
"This project has enabled Southwell Minster to safeguard this important local landmark and provide opportunities for people to explore the past stories.”
Children and families are invited to Chapter House tomorrow (Saturday) to see the restorations and take part in various fun activities including stories, games and crafts.
