York Minster |
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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.
York Minster offers visitors a range of tours, including Stoneyard Tours, Tours of the Glass Conservation Studio, Hidden Minster Tours and Library Tours throughout the summer. To find out more or to book a tour, please call 0844 939 0016 or email
It is also possible to book a visit for your school. Please contact The Centre for School Visits on 0844 939 0017 or email
For general information, or to find out what concerts, events and exhibitions are on at York Minster, please visit the York Minster website.
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Opening Times
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(2011 times)
Sightseeing in the Minster, Undercroft, Treasury and Crypt:Monday to Saturday: 9.00am (9.30am November to March) - last entry 5.00pm Sunday: 12.00pm - 3.45pm. No sightseeing on Good Friday and Easter Sunday or on Sundays before 12.00pm. The Central Tower: Monday to Saturday: 9.45am - 4.45pm (Sunday 12.45pm) - 3.45pm. (later at peak times; Nov - Mar last trip half an hour before Dusk) Closed: 24 & 25 December, Good Friday, Easter Sunday and in extreme weather conditions. |
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Admission Charges
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(2011 prices)
The Minster, Undercroft & Crypt:Adult £9.00; Senior or Student £8.00. Accompanied children 16 & under: Free (Group charges do apply) The Central Tower: Adult £5.50; Senior or Student £4.50; Child £3.00. Children under the age of 8 may not climb the Tower |
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Directions
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| York Minster is in the heart of the city of York, and can be found easily from the city centre. |
| Show map of York Minster... |
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York Minster Postcode for SatNav: YO1 7HH |
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Nearby Attractions
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Yorkshire Museum
(< 1 Mile)*
The Yorkshire Museum houses some of the finest collections of archaeological finds in Europe, spanning Roman, Anglo-Saxon, Viking and Medieval times. |
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DIG-An Archaeological Adventure
(< 1 Mile)*
One of the best family day outs. No other experience gets you as close to the excitement of archaeological discovery. It's unique! |
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Barley Hall
(< 1 Mile)*
Barley Hall is a unique survival in York, a city of wonderful buildings. It is a medieval building in the centre of the city, forgotten until a few years ago. |
| more attractions in York and things to do in York ... |
| more things to do in North Yorkshire and days out in North Yorkshire... |
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Nearby Hotels
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Nearby Self Catering
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