York Minster

The magnificent Cathedral in York, known as York Minster is the largest Gothic Cathedral in Northern Europe, renowned for containing the largest collection of medieval stained glass in England. Built in the Early English, Decorated and Perpendicular styles it is a pure classic of the period. Five hundred and eighteen feet in length, it is two hundred and forty one feet wide at the transept and its central tower rises one hundred and ninety eight feet making it the largest lantern tower in Britain.

Bede records that a small wooden chapel was built on this site in 627 A.D. for the baptism of Edwin, king of Northumbria. Edwin's successor Oswald enclosed the chapel in stone and dedicated it to St. Peter, as the Cathedral in York has been ever since. Both the Saxons and Normans built churches here, which were destroyed by invading Danes, Norse raiders and by fire. Restored, sections rebuilt and extended, succeeding generations of Christians have striven to ensure the survival of the Minster in York.

In 1220 a 250-year programme to rebuild the Minster around its Norman predecessor began. It was Archbishop William de Grey who was responsible for the design of the transept where the new building work began. What evolved was the Cathedral much as we know it today. Over the centuries much work has been necessary to maintain the fabric of the Church and the good work has continued in this century.

After the Second World War, the glass from the medieval windows which had been removed for safekeeping, was restored to its rightful place. This must have been like solving a giant jigsaw puzzle. Major restoration was carried out between 1967-1972 to restore the central tower and again in 1984 when fire destroyed the roof of the south transept. During the restoration, a decision was taken not to replicate the original carving of foliage on the sixty-two bosses which had been destroyed. Children submitted thousands of designs and six were chosen to be included in the new carvings, which represent all aspects of God's creation.

Undoubtedly the most glorious feature of the Minster is its wealth of stained glass - one hundred and twenty eight windows in total. The best known are the five sisters window in the North Transept, named after the five fifty foot lancets, each in thirteenth century grisaille, a frosted silver-grey glass. The awe-inspiring fifteenth century east window is the world's largest area of medieval stained glass; it depicts the beginning and the end of the world. Other famous windows are the West window with its heart-shaped tracery portraying the heart of Yorkshire. In the South transept is the Rose window commemorating the end of The Wars of The Roses. Another of importance is the Pilgrim window, featuring Peter surrounded by pilgrims, unusual details to look for are the funeral of a monkey and a cock reading.

You will find many other fascinating features on your tour of the Minster; look out for the dragon's head in the nave projecting from the gallery; this is part of a levering device to raise the cover on the font. Also in the nave is the four hundred year old wooden clock with its knights of oak. The rood screen, a masterpiece of late gothic sculpture is noteworthy, as is the monument to Archbishop William de Grey in the South transept.

Before leaving York Minster don't miss The Crypt, where you can see the Romanesque pillars from the eleventh century church, and many treasures of antiquity, also The Undercroft, which is now fitted out as a museum. Do allow time to visit the unique thirteenth century, octagonal Chapter House, since as it is buttressed on the eight sides, no central pillar is required to support its star-ribbed painted roof and light pours in through the seven window walls, showing up the fine carvings.

A visit to York Minster would not be complete without climbing the great central tower and enjoying the fine views over York.