Southwell Cathedral is one of the smallest of the Cathedrals in England and is in the smallest Cathedral city. The buildings were founded by Secular Canons. The more impressive aspects of this Cathedral lie inside and include the carved leaves. The Chapter-house built at the end of the thirteenth century is octagonal but smaller than other examples and so does not need the central pier that other have to support the roof. The 'Leaves of Southwell' as they are known consist of vine and ivy, buttercups and Hawthorns, plus many more, and one carving also includes a Green Man, a face surrounded by leaves and sometimes with leaves coming out of the mouth. The Green Man is thought to be a Pagan motif, and examples can be seen in many Cathedrals and churches around the country.
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