Southwell’s ancient Archbishop’s Palace ruins open for tours in Architecture week
Visitors to Southwell will have further opportunities to make a rare visit to tour the ruined Archbishop’s Palace - in the gardens of the Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham’s home - adjacent to Southwell Minster, as part of national Architecture Week running between 15-24 June.
This will also be an opportunity to view the stunning architecture of Southwell Minster, where the tours begin, as well as the ancient palace ruins – dating back to the 1300s. The tours will run on 21st and 23rd June and cost £5.50 or £4 for concessions. A family ticket is £15.
This summer sees a fantastic variety of events taking place in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, as part of Architecture Week 07. The aim is to inspire people to think creatively about the spaces around them through events and activities. This year, there are 21 varied activities taking place in the city and the county, more than any other East Midlands county and each offers something of interest to local people of all ages.
The Southwell tours are an extended part of the events marking the 100th anniversary of the building of Bishop's Manor, the home of the Bishop of Southwell & Nottingham, which was designed by WD Caroe. Although the main part of the house is a 20th century mansion, remains of an ancient palace, dating back to the 1300s can still be seen at the rear of the house. This received many illustrious visitors during its time including King James I and King Charles I, who spent his last night of freedom in Southwell at the Saracen’s Head. The most famous clergyman to have associations with the palace was the all-powerful Cardinal Wolsey, who retired to the palace in 1530 before moving north to York.
Today the building is more than a private residence, as well as incorporating the offices for the Bishop, part of it has also been converted into a number of self-contained private flats.
Historic tours of the Minster running during this week, will also be able to incorporate the fascinating features of the ruined Archbishop’s palace with its four-seater medieval toilet!
The two historic tours will be on Thursday 21st June at 2pm and Saturday 23rd June at 11.30am, starting inside the Minster.
Anyone interested should contact the Minster Office tel 01636 812649 for more information and to confirm the timings. the Minster Marketing manager Kathryn Anderson, tel 01636 817286 can also provide more details, or see the Architecture week website:www.architectureweek.org.uk
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