Bishop's Manor Birthday

100th Birthday celebrations at Bishop’s Manor

The Bishop of Southwell & Nottingham has been opening up part of his historic home this month as he celebrates the 100th anniversary of the building of Bishop’s Manor with a week of events.

The Bishop, the Rt Revd George Cassidy, is putting the focus on ‘hospitality’ from 27th April to 3rd May to mark the birthday of the building and will be offering a number of groups the use of a marquee in the walled garden, at the back of the house.

He said: “This special anniversary has given Jane and I an opportunity to share hospitality with both young and old across the diocese. I have been enjoying welcoming people during the week.  It is a great privilege to live in this beautiful and historic house and we shall enjoy sharing it with those who will be coming during this week of hospitality”

Although the main part of the house is a 20th century mansion, designed by WD Caroe, remains of an ancient palace, dating back to the 1300s can still be seen at the rear of the house. This received many illustrious visitors during its time including King James I and King Charles I, who spent his last night of freedom in Southwell at the Saracen’s Head. The most famous clergyman to have associations with the palace was the all-powerful Cardinal Wolsey, who retired to the palace in 1530 before moving north to York.

Today the building is more than a private residence, as well as incorporating the offices for the Bishop, part of it has also been converted into a number of self-contained private flats.

Some of the events taking place include:
• An auction of promises to raise funds for Southwell Minster Choir Association on Friday 27th April from 6pm
• A Children’s mega party on Sunday 29th April from 3-5pm organised by Children’s Adviser and author Nick Harding
• Various other evening and afternoon events will also be running, culminating in a celebration for sisters from the Community of Holy Cross in Rempstone, marking their 150th anniversary on Thursday 3rd May.
• Historic tours of the Minster running during this week, have also incorporated the fascinating features of the ruined Archbishop’s palace with its four-seater medieval toilet!