THE ARTS SOCIETY NORTH STAFFORDSHIRE
DAY VISIT TO SOUTHWELL MINSTER AND THE WORKHOUSE AND INFIRMARY.
THURSDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER 2026.
The Cathedral and Parish Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary is popularly known, as it has been for centuries, as Southwell Minster. The current Minster is the successor to the one built in 956 by the Archbishop of York. Some late 11th century fabric survives but most of the building dates from between 1108-1150 when it was reconstructed in the Romanesque style. Sir Nikolaus Pevsner describes in detail in his book the exquisite carvings of animals, mythological creatures and “The Leaves of Southwell” around the Chapter House. Dating from the end of the 13th century, the Chapter House has been restored and the restoration was completed in 2022. These carvings are a fine example of English Gothic style.
There is a service in the Minster at 12 Noon therefore we are on a tight schedule. There will be no time for coffee on arrival but time for a visit to the bathroom Perhaps a coffee in a flask would be a good idea for drinking on the coach,
After our lunch consisting of sandwiches, cakes and tea/coffee in the Chapter House we will depart for The Workhouse and Infirmary. This National Trust property is also in Southwell. Built in 1824 this rural Workhouse is one of the best preserved and most complete in England. It was designed to house 160 people. There is a kitchen garden to explore and I am told that produce may be purchased. The tea rooms closes at 3.30pm. There will be free flow around this property.
ITINERARY
7.45 am. Depart Hollinsheads Depot Biddulph.
8.20am. Coach arrives top of Pilkington Avenue Westlands Parking behind Islamic Centre (previously Methodist Church). N.B. There is no departure from Barlaston.
8.30am. PROMPT Coach departs.
10.30am. (Approximately) Arrive at Southwell Minster.
10.45am. Guided tour of the Minster.
12 NOON. Lunch in the Chapter House.
1.45pm. Depart from the Minster.
2.00pm. Arrive at The Workhouse. Meet and Greet from a member of the National Trust Staff
4.30pm. Departs.
6.30pm. Approximate time of arrival Pilkington Avenue.
The cost of the visit is £56.00 which includes coach, car parking, guided tour, LUNCH and coach driver’s gratuity.
Non-National Trust Members Please add £14.25 to the cost.
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I/we wish to join the day visit to Southwell
Name/s……………………………………………………………………………………….……………………………
Address……………………………………………………………………………….………...…………………………
Mobile……………………………………………… Email………………………………………………………………
Please send the completed form and cheque made payable to The Arts Society North Staffordshire to Carole Deakin, 17, Dartmouth Avenue, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, ST5 3NU.
Telephone 01782 622097 Mobile 07799 891692. Alternatively, a Bank Transfer can be made to:
Sort Code 30-95-91 Account number 00062931 Reference Southwell. Please send the completed application form to my address. Confirmation will be sent by email.
Please indicate where you will be boarding the coach.
Hollinsheads Depot Biddulph……..…….. Pilkington Avenue……………………………………
WOULD NATIONAL TRUST MEMBERS PLEASE REMEMBER THEIR MEMBERSHIP CARDS.
PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT YOUR MOBILE IS SWITCHED ON DURING THE DAY OF THE VISIT BUT IN THE MINSTER IT MUST BE ON SILENT.