Southwell Minster gifted site of ancient Roman Villa

Southwell Minster has been gifted the former Church Street site of the Minster School.  The purchase was made possible through the generosity and initiative of an individual benefactor and the active co-operation of the local developers, Oak Tree Homes.

The land has been donated in perpetuity on the basis that Southwell Minster will act as custodians of it for the lasting public benefit to the town and indeed more widely, by ensuring its use for educational, conservation and cultural purposes only.  The land has significant archaeological remains, most notable of which is a Roman Villa of national interest and importance.

The Acting Dean, Canon Nigel Coates, writes: “We are thrilled to be the recipients of this wholly unexpected and most generous bequest.  We would like to thank the donor, the developer and all those who were able to make this extraordinary donation possible.  We very much look forward to working with the many interested parties in the town in drawing up plans for its future.”

The Southwell Heritage Trust, of which Colonel Roger Merryweather is Chairman, has been trying to preserve this site over many years. He comments: “This magnificent act of benefaction is of major importance to the town and will give to Southwell and its residents an historic piece of land, which not only enhances the Minster but will give immense pleasure to this and future generations.”

As an immediate first step, the site will be cleared of rubble, levelled, grassed and fenced.