Southwell Minster, a historic cathedral in Nottinghamshire that has stood for more than 900 years, faces the prospect of closure due to a severe funding shortfall and mounting repair costs, its dean has warned. The Very Rev Dr Stephen Evans said the building is confronting a £20 million backlog of repairs accumulated over decades, with urgent work exceeding £220,000 still unfunded. If the situation remains unchanged, the cathedral’s daily operations could cease as early as 2027.

Construction of Southwell Minster began in 1108, and the cathedral has survived significant historical events, including a plague outbreak in 1471 and damage during the English Civil War in 1646. Despite this resilience, the minster could become the first Church of England cathedral forced to close due to financial constraints.

Evans, who assumed the deanery in April, described the financial challenges as "very grim" and emphasized that the crisis stems not from mismanagement but from a long-term lack of sufficient income. The cathedral has resorted to deferring necessary maintenance to manage limited funds, a practice that has exacerbated repair needs.

The minster has sought support from multiple sources, including the Church of England’s finance authorities and the government, as well as appealing to the public for donations. It applied for funding from the Places of Worship Renewal Fund but was unsuccessful, leaving it still significantly short of crucial financing. Evans stressed the urgent need for at least £3.3 million over the next three years to stabilize the situation and keep the cathedral operational.

Southwell Minster’s governing chapter faces dissolution if funds are not secured, which would result in the cathedral’s oversight reverting to the diocese and potentially lead to its closure. Evans noted that while other Anglican cathedrals face similar financial difficulties—he cited that about 80 percent of England’s 42 cathedrals are operating with deficits—Southwell Minster appears to have reached a critical juncture sooner than others.

Other cathedrals have also grappled with funding issues. For example, Peterborough Cathedral considered part-time closure last year but was able to remain fully open after raising £300,000. Southwell Minster now awaits further assistance, hoping that church commissioners can provide necessary support to avert closure and ensure the preservation of this historic landmark.