Below are extracts form the Southwell Heritage Trail Series of leaflets (6 in total). The leaflets provide a fascinating guided tour of the historically significant areas in and around Southwell. They can be obtained from the Tourist Office in the Minster Chambers.

1. John Thomas Becher Heritage Trail

JT Becher moved to Southwell in 1792 and became famous nationally, as well as in the local area, as a champion of social reform. Becher was also a clergyman, botanist and a close friend to the young Lord Byron.

By following the trail through Southwell, you will see many building and sites associated with Becher and his family. These include the Minster, where Becher was Clergyman, Hill House, his family home and the Workhouse, which was the scene of one of the many social reform projects carried out by Becher.

The trail is 2 ¼ miles long and there are plenty of places to stop for food and drink on the way.

2. The King Charles I HeritageTrail

By May 1646 the position of King Charles I and his Royalist Army was desperate. They has suffered a series of setbacks in 1644-5 culminating in the decisive defeat at Naseby in June 1646. Charles journeyed to Southwell to meet with a French diplomat (Montreuil) whom he had employed to negotiate with the Scottish Army (laying seige to Royalist Newark). The King arrived at the Kings Head (now The Saracens Head), to find Montreuil absent and continued to negotiate with the Scottish Commisioners.

A 6 mile trail across pleasant, hilly countyside. Follow the journey of King Charles, through Southwell.

3. The Charles Caudwell Heritage Trail

Charles Caudwell bought the mill that stands by the River Greet in Southwell in 1851 and his family milled flour there for four generations. Since that time the Caudwell family have made substantial contributions to the town and two members of the Caudwell family, Ruth and Elizabeth still live locally.

The Caudwell trail starts at the Newcastle Arms on Station Road and, over a distance of 2.5 miles, takes walkers past the Caudwell Mill and the River Greet on to Maythorne Mill and the Southwell Paddy. Along the trail, there’s wealth of wildlife ranging from unspoilt grassland to mammals, such as rabbits, water and field voles to birds of prey, like kestrels and sparrow hawks.

There’s a car park at the beginning of the trail and refreshments are available from the Newcastle Arms pub.

4. The Easthorpe Heritage Trail

For centuries Easthorpe, despite it's closeness to Southwell, was a village in it's own right. In the 19th century its main street still had a number of farms and trade workshops all centered on agriculture and there were other local industries such as malting and framework knitting.

A 2.5 mile, 1.5 hour walk from the Saracens Head car park via three inns in Easthorpe, Bramley Apple, the Hearty Goodfellow and the Old Coach House.

5. The Westhorpe Dumble Trail

This delightful trail is centered on the hamlet of Westhorpe which, until the early 20th century, was a lively working village. Westhorpe’s now a conservation area and the trail captures the strong sense of history and identity that exists in the community.

Over a distance of 2.5 miles the trail leads you through a number of old working buildings, Westhorpe Hall, carefully preserved wildlife areas and the Holy Trinity Church.

6. The Edward Cludd Civil War Trail

Edward Cludd was born in 1603. His parents had property around Arnold and were from the gentry. It is reported that he was a firm and very influential supporter of Parliament during the Civil War period and yet a source of 'moderation' in any discussions.  The trail visits three places where his moderating influence had a clear impact on local events.

A 3 mile walk, 1.5 hours, walking boots preferable for Norwood Park.