More than a Building – Phil, Southwell Minster

Meet Phil, the first of our More than a Building 2018 stars.

Former schoolteacher, Phil Barton from Lowdham, a little village five miles from Southwell Minster, says he stumbled across the Minster back in 1979 when he first moved to the area.

“I remember driving over the hill and the building just came into view, stunning.”

He studied architecture as part of his A Level Art course, so was immediately struck by the riches in the Minster.

“I was amazed that the cathedral is almost entirely Norman, a period I particularly like.

“I used to visit regularly, discovering something new each time; like the carvings in the Chapter House which are incredible.

“When the sun was shining through the open West Door earlier this summer, it lit up all the stonework, absolutely stunning.

“This building is an architectural gem. Very rare in rural towns!”

Phil has been a steward for less than a year and volunteers for three sessions a month and he also helps with Time Travelling education events, which have just won a national award.

You can discover the Minster for yourself this summer find out more on our Southwell Minster page here.