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Historic Towns & Picturesque Villages

Cliff view near Zennor on a gorgeous day

Zennor

in the county of Cornwall

The museum at Berkswell, Warwickshire

Berkswell

in the county of West Midlands

Pictures of Southwell

in the county of Nottinghamshire

About Southwell

This beautiful old Nottinghamshire town is best known for its inspiring Minster which was quite probably founded as a monastery in the 10th-century, perhaps even earlier. The church was begun in 1108, it has two Western towers with pyramidal roofs and a central squat tower. The magnificent chancel is Early English and is thought to be from the 13th-century. The chapter house would appear to be from the same period and is famous for its carved foliage decoration. There are magnificent stained glass windows and many other treasures. The Minster was raised to cathedral status in the late 19th-century. The Norman symmetry of the twin towers rise in stately fashion above a well laid out churchyard where you can see graves and splendid carved stone tombs, from centuries ago.

Taking a short walk from the Minster through pleasant pathways which take you into the heart of Southwell's conservation area, you eventually arrive at Southwell's workhouse. This superb heritage centre vividly portrays the cruel lives led by the destitute who, often through no fault of their own, were both homeless and penniless, thus the workhouse was the only means of a roof and food. The workhouse was the vision of the Reverend John Becher, it was built in 1824 and for over 150 years housed those whose lives where blighted by poverty. In all its starkness, the workhouse system was a revolutionary forerunner of the 'welfare' system we know today. The workhouse is truly atmospheric of its past and is well worth seeing.

Popular with locals and the racing fraternity from all over the Midlands is Southwell racecourse. This is one of the premier sporting venues in the East Midlands where racing enthusiasts can relax in the ambience of surprisingly pleasant surroundings and enjoy a good days sport.

History tells us that it was here in Southwell that King Charles I gave himself up to Scots Commissioners in the 17th-century Saracens Head. On another historic note Southwell was also a haven for evacuees during the dark days of World War II.

Southwell, surrounded by lovely open countryside, offers an interesting choice of guest accommodation and has a good range of shops, inns and restaurants. It is within easy reach of the City of Nottingham - famous for its beautiful lace, and within easy driving distance of Derby and the Peak District National Park. It is a small town with a lovely atmosphere, ideal for an enjoyable day out or to use as a base from which to explore the limestone pinnacles of the Peaks.

Recommended towns & villages near Southwell

St Mary Magdalen Church in Newark-on-Trent - June 2005

Newark-on-Trent (95 Pictures) a Historic Market Town in the county of Nottinghamshire

(6.5 miles, 10.4 km, direction E of Southwell)

As it's name implies, this town enjoys a fine position on the River Trent. The great castle where King John died in 1216 lies in ruins on the banks of the river...

NOTTINGHAM CASTLE MUSEUM

Nottingham (210 Pictures) a Historic City in the county of Nottinghamshire

(11.9 miles, 19.2 km, direction SW of Southwell)

The City of Nottingham is famed for fine lace, the romance of Maid Marion and Robin Hood and as the birthplace of the founder of the Salvation Army, General William Booth (1829-1912)...

Floral display

Beeston (270 Pictures) in the county of Nottinghamshire

(15.0 miles, 24.2 km, direction SW of Southwell)

Beeston is mostly remarkable for being the place where the Ist Lord Trent started work in his mother's herbal shop at the age of 14...

A picture of Belton House

Belton (71 Pictures) in the county of Lincolnshire

(16.9 miles, 27.2 km, direction SE of Southwell)

The popular village of Belton lying north of Grantham is home to magnificent Belton House. It is also a typical "Estate" village which perfectly epitomises all the values of English country life...

Bolsover Castle

Bolsover (89 Pictures) in the county of Derbyshire

(17.3 miles, 27.8 km, direction NW of Southwell)

Bolsover is a small town lying 5 miles east of Chesterfield. It occupies a picturesque valley setting, watched over by 17th century Bolsover Castle which stands on the site of a former fortress of Norman times...

All towns & villages in Nottinghamshire
Complete A to Z of towns & villages in England

Nearby attractions..

Southwell Minster, nottinghamshire

Southwell Minster (40 Pictures)

(0.6 miles, 0.9 km)

Historically a monastery was probably founded here in the 10th century, with the church being begun around 1108. The building.....

The ruins of Newark Castle on the banks of the River Trent. Newark on Trent, Nottinghamshire.

Newark Castle (47 Pictures)

(5.9 miles, 9.5 km, direction E)

The romantic ruins of this once glorious castle were left to fall into further disrepair following the ravages of the English.....

The Great Oak, Sherwood Forest

Sherwood Forest (39 Pictures)

(7.2 miles, 11.6 km, direction W)

..

Museum

Newark Air Museum (7 Pictures)

(8.2 miles, 13.1 km, direction E)

..

Walled flower garden at Newstead Abbey in Nottinghamshire.

Newstead Abbey (64 Pictures)

(9.4 miles, 15.1 km, direction W)

A beautiful historic house set in a glorious landscape of gardens and parkland within the heart of Nottinghamshire, England......

NOTTINGHAM CASTLE MUSEUM

Nottingham Castle Museum (16 Pictures)

(12.1 miles, 19.5 km, direction SW)

This superb mansion containing Nottingham's museum and art gallery sits on a green and pleasant mound high above the city. It.....

Young Buck

Wollaton Hall (58 Pictures)

(13.6 miles, 21.8 km, direction SW)

From the outside, Wollaton Hall could easily be mistaken for a grand Victorian mansion - even though it was built when Sir.....


All attractions in Southwell
All attractions in Nottinghamshire
Complete A to Z of attractions in England