They have been marvelled at by everyone from Sir Nikolaus Pevsner to Dame Hilary Mantel.
And now the famous Leaves of Southwell will be seen by even more people, after Southwell Minster was granted £1.9m to conserve and celebrate the 13th century carvings at the site.
The money from the National Lottery Heritage Fund will pay for:
* Renewing the main east roof and the stabilising the Chapter House - where the Leaves can be found - to preserve the stonework;
* Improving accessibility with a lifting platform will help visitors with mobility issues into the passageway leading to the Chapter House.
* Lighting the Chapter House for the first time;
* Improving external lighting to make the paths and north porch much more useable.
There will also be updated information available about the Leaves and the Minster. And the garden will be doubled in size.
The Canon Chancellor, Nigel Coates, who is leading the project, said: “The Leaves of Southwell are hugely significant as part of our artistic heritage but also have so much to teach us about the need to treasure the natural world.
"The project will ensure future generations continue to be inspired by the Leaves of Southwell.”
The Dean of Southwell, the Very Revd Nicola Sullivan added: “This is a thrilling opportunity for us to engage with new and diverse audiences – including National Lottery players who have made this grant possible.
"Southwell Minster is Nottinghamshire’s cathedral and its most loved building. It is a wonderful educational resource to visitors from far and near.”
And Anne Jenkins from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “The Leaves of Southwell are undeniably fine examples of 13th century carvings, and thanks to National Lottery players they will be seen by wider and more diverse audiences.
"We are delighted that inclusion is at the heart of this project and invaluable training will be provided for staff at Southwell Minster to ensure that everyone feels welcome and has the best experience when they visit.”
