In addition to the stunning architecture and design, there are a number of smaller features which you should not miss on a visit to the minster.
The Green Man
If you look closely at the carvings you will find that hidden amongst the leaves and greenery there are faces! This 'Green Man' is common in medieval churches - but whereas in many churches you will only find one such carving - here we have over 30! It is usually considered to be an image of the wood spirits worshipped by the pre-Christian Britons, but its significance in a Christian Church is largely unknown.
Saxon Coffin
Hidden away in the back corner is the lid of a Saxon Knight's coffin. If you look carefully you can see that it is inscribed with the outline of a sword.
Famous Links
The minster has a number of links with famous Britons, besides Thomas Rotherham of course. The family of Jonathan Swyft (author of Gulliver's Travels) were buried here and are commemorated by an ornate brass plaque. Anthony Trollope married a local girl in the church. The marriage register can be viewed at Sheffield archives.
Back to Rotherham's Ecclesiastical Heritage
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