21. NAVE ROOF AND CHRISTUS REX
The barrel-vaulted ceiling dates from 1880 when it replaced a flat ceiling built after the fire of 1711 when the Southwest tower was struck by lightning. Under the barrel vaulting at the East end is the Christus Rex – a sculpture made of elm and oak overlaid with burnished copper and gold leaf. It was created by Peter Ball in 1987. Many see this statue as a powerful symbol of the welcoming love of God offering sanctuary, strength and inspiration. PLAN
22. WEST WALL
Behind us is the Great West Window. Everything in this Cathedral is large! Notice the size of the West doors. Near the window are two bracing cross beams which we might suspect were not part of the original design.
23. MAJESTIC COLUMNS
Here is another view of the Norman arches. The borders are interesting: Norman arches often feature zig-zag chevron borders. These borders are quite different.
24. WEST DOORS
The wooden West doors are spectacular both in size and in design. On a nearby wall is a list of bishops, rectors, provosts and deans of the Minster since it became a Cathedral in 1884. We shall encounter the first two bishops again in our exploration.
25. WEST WINDOW
The original West windows were replaced in the early 15th century by a huge Perpendicular window which let in more light. The present glass was designed and painted by Patrick Reyntiens and based on an original concept of Martin Stancliffe, then Cathedral architect. Installed in 1996 it depicts a great gathering of angels enjoying being with God: just all joy and worship. [Wikipedia photograph]
26. NORTHWEST NAVE
This corner of the nave is rather cluttered with various sign boards. There are several windows, and an old tomb chest in a wall alcove, with a decorative sword carved into the top.
27. NAVE CORNER WINDOWS
These three windows show scenes from the life of Jesus. From left: • (West Window): Wedding of Cana, Jesus and the centurion, Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well; • (North window I): Jesus and woman (?), Jesus with the disciples on the Sea of Galilee, Jesus heals the cripple; • (North window II): Jesus and the children, Jesus teaching, The Child Jesus teaching in the Temple.
28. NORTH NAVE
As we move along the North nave wall, we come to the North door, and then the aisle continues. There are in fact four windows in this wall before we come to the North transept, but they are all lattice windows with clear glass. A few memorial tablets are attached on the intervening walls.
29. SOUTH NAVE WALL
Crossing the nave we investigate the South aisle. Here there are seven windows of which the three Eastern-most are clear glass. Pictured here are the next three. We shall find that the remainng window is by the baptismal font.
30. SOUTH NAVE WINDOWS
• The left window shows three regal looking ladies who are unfortunately not identified. • The central window shows Peter and John healing the crippled man at The Beautiful Gate (Acts 3). • In the right window, at top we see Jesus being baptised, the bottom scene pictures the Nativity. In the centre is the text ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace’. We can also see St Paulinus baptising in the Trent and holding a model of the minster. The legend that Paulinus baptised at Southwell in c 627 is thus commemorated in this window.
32. SOUTHWEST NAVE
Close by the font is an old semicircular chest, used for storing copes. Beyond this is a creative play area for children – presently studying Noah’s Ark! Beyond is the remaining window in the Cathedral’s West wall. It shows three scenes from the life of Christ: the Flight into Egypt, the Coming of the Wise Men, and the Presentation at the Temple.
33. COPE CHEST
Apparently this cope chest is one of only seven surviving cope chests in English cathedrals (including Westminster Abbey). The cope is a liturgical vestment, more precisely a long mantle or cloak, worn around the shoulders, open in front and fastened at the breast with a band or clasp. It may be of any liturgical colour. To the right of the cope chest is the final window in the South wall. It shows various scenes from the life of John the Baptist.
34. TO THE PULPIT
We now walk down to the front of the nave. The ornate pulpit stands on the South side. The pulpit is the place from which the Word of God is proclaimed.
35. PULPIT DETAIL
The pulpit shows figures carved on its panels, all of which are linked with early tradition. From right to left we see St Paulinus who became the first Bishop of York, the Virgin and Child, St Augustine, first Archbishop of Canterbury, and the one responsible for bringing Paulinus to Britain, Queen Ethelburga who travelled with Paulinus on their journey north, and King Edwin of Northumbria whom Ethelburga married and Paulinus baptised.
36. NAVE ALTAR
Like most cathedrals today, Southwell Cathedral has a nave altar from where the Eucharist is administered week by week. Just behind the altar is an old silver cross bearing the image of Christ at its centre.
37. LECTERN
On the other side of the nave at the front is a traditional brass eagle lectern, from where the Scripture is read. Bible references to eagles include: Isaiah 40:31 (CEB) ‘but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength; they will fly up on wings like eagles; they will run and not be tired; they will walk and not be weary.’
38. ORGAN CONSOLE AND QUIRE
Just beyond the lectern, the North nave aisle leads on to the North transept, passing the organ console. The Cathedral has two organs – this one serving the nave has been used since 1992. A large Binns organ formerly in the Upper Independent Chapel, Heckmondwike was rebuilt as a three manual organ, with very complete Swell and Great divisions and a small Solo Organ. The organ was restored and electrified, and a new mobile console was built. The red and blue seats are used by the choir.
39. NORTH TRANSEPT
The North transept is a largely empty space with steps leading down to the Pilgrim Chapel on the East side. The windows are in a grisaille style – executed almost entirely in shades of grey. Above the doorway at the Western corner is the most famous carved stone in Southwell, known as the Tympanum, dating from between the ninth and eleventh century. On its face is a carving of Archangel Michael and on the left side of the stone, a damaged figure, presumably intended to be King David.
40. NORTH TRANSEPT WINDOWS
Most interesting here is the second window from the left: the Bramley Apple window designed by Helen Whittaker of Barley Studios, York. The window celebrates the Bicentenery of the Bramley Apple, first grown commercially by Henry Merryweather in the mid 1850s. The first tree reputedly grew in Southwell in a Mr Bramley’s garden, from seeds planted by Mary Brailsford.