 n 956 King Eadwig gave a gift of land in Southwell to Oskytel, Archbishop of York. A Minster church was established on this land. Apart from the tessellated floor the only remaining piece of the Saxon church is the late 11th century tympanum (lintel) over a doorway in the North transept. The Normans were great builders and re-builders of churches and in 1108 a decision was made to re-build the Minster. As was usual, building started at the East end so that the high altar could be used as soon as possible. The earlier Saxon building was taken down as work progressed. No doubt much of the stone was re-used. Work on the nave began after 1120 and the building was completed by approximately 1150. |
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