Prebends of Southwell

The Prebends of Southwell were the benefices held by the Prebendaries, or Canons of Southwell Minster.

The Prebends of Southwell were established from the eleventh century and by 1291, the number had grown to sixteen. In 1540 the prebends and minster were suppressed but an act of Parliament in 1543 re-established the college and church collegiate of Southwell. Under an Act of King Edward VI, the prebendaries were given pensions and their estates sold. The minster continued as the parish church on the petitions of the parishioners.

By an Act of Philip and Mary in 1557, the minster and its prebends were restored. On 2 April 1585 a set of statutes was promulgated by Queen Elizabeth I and the chapter operated under this constitution until it was dissolved in 1841. The Ecclesiastical Commissioners made provision for the abolition of the chapter as a whole; the death of each canon after this time resulted in the extinction of his prebend. The chapter came to its appointed end on 12 February 1873 with the death of the Rev Thomas Henry Shepherd, rector of Clayworth and prebendary of Beckingham.

The Prebends of Southwell now are best known by the Prebendal houses, ten of which survive to this day, most as private residences in the town.

The sixteen Prebends of Southwell are described below:

This is also known as the Sacrists Prebend or Segeston Prebend. The revenues for this prebend came from lands in Southwell and Bleasby, and 10% of the offerings at Pentecost.

This former prebendal house, served for a time as the headmaster's house for Southwell Minster School. The front range was built between 1774 and 1798 for Nicholas Hutchinson and incorporated parts of an earlier house in the rear wings. It is now a retreat centre operated by the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham. It is Grade II listed.

The revenues for this prebend came from lands in Normanton and Southwell.

The former prebendal house of Normanton, was built for Margaretta Tibson around 1766, and probably incorporated parts of an early 18th century house. It is Grade II listed.

Also known as Norwell I. The revenues for the Prebend came from estates around Norwell, Norwell Woodhouse and Carlton-upon-Trent.

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