The Residence

Took a public tour of a few rooms of the Dean's residence led by her husband. The Dean was meeting and greeting and issuing the free tour tickets (only available on the day).

The main pic shows the "The Residence" from Vicars court that houses the 6 (I think) cannons. The extra shows the view of the minster's Chapter House from The Residence steps looking through Vicars court . 

An ensemble performed on copies of period instruments including recorders to nicely add to the atmosphere.

History
I learnt today, that it's called "The Residence" because it was built as accommodation for whichever Prebendary was performing The Dean's duties for their allotted time each year. The Prebendaries rented out their adjacent mansions, so needed somewhere to stay whilst working at the Minster! There was no single appointed Dean at that time.

Our village church (alone in the diocese) is similar in that we share the church warden duties, without having anyone formally appointed.

edit - CofE roles (simplified, so not exact definitions)

Archdeacon -  supports a Bishop and receives delegated responsibilities eg the head of diocese (region of churches) 

Dean - the senior priest of a cathedral (following abolition of the Chapter)

Prebendary - similar to a canon. Historically at Southwell tin return for serving the church they received income from an area within the diocese eg group of villages. They formed the Chapter which governed the Diocese and used to meet in The Chapter House, each having their own designated and named stone seat around the circumference of the building.

Canon - Assist the Dean eg the Canon Precentor is responsible for the worship of the cathedral; Canon Treasurer is responsible for the fabric and finance of the cathedral; and a Canon Chancellor is responsible for the archives and libraries of the cathedral.