York Minster

York Minster is often described as the 'jewel in Yorkshire's crown' as rightly so. If draws people from around the world to visit one of the finest cathedrals in the world and truly one magnificent sight. An inspiring place to visit and enjoy the delights of a pure historical masterpiece.

York Minster History

Where York Minster stands today has been a place of Christian worship since 627 where a wooden church was first built to provide a place to baptise the King of Northumbria, Edwin and over the next couple of years, a stone structure replace the wooden one only to be destroyed by fire in 741.

A larger structure was built in its place only to be destroyed by the Danes in 1075 being yet again rebuilt in 1080. Again in 1137 the church was damaged by fire, but is was soon repaired.

The Minster as we see it today was begun in 1220 when the archbishop, Walter de Gray ordered a new Gothic cathedral to be built to rival Canterbury Cathedral. The north and south structures being complete by 1250 but it would not be until 1472 before the Minster was complete. Especially when in 1407, the centre tower collapsed.

Lottery Funding

Today the Minster is going through a five year project with the help of the Heritage Lottery Fund to repair parts of the Minsters masonry and stained glass, as well as expanding training of the specialist crafts required.