History of Southwell Minster to be explored during new exhibition

The White Book, also known as Liber Albus, is one of the oldest records held at Nottinghamshire Archives.

It was started in 1335 but chronicles documents from 1106 to 1609 and contains copies of royal endowment and property grants and rights, privileges and statutes issued by the crown, the pope and the Archbishops of York.

The present church was begun in 1108 and completed 1150, but did not become a cathedral until 1884.

Southwell Chapter was established in Saxon times and owned and managed a large number of estates.

Many of the rents and revenues of its extensive properties were used by the Chapter to provide much of the finance for the repair and maintenance of the Minster and the provision of stipends for the clergy.

For local people the Chapter would have been an important part of their lives; issuing marriage licences, proving wills and holding courts to govern spiritual and moral behaviour. Many men became members of the Chapter, either as canons, vicars in local churches or singers in the choir.The records in the exhibition will provide a feel for the lives of our ancestors and the influence the Minster had on them.

The exhibition opens on Tuesday 1st April and runs until Tuesday 6th May.

For further information visit www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/southwellchapter