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York History in Pictures The Minster |
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The present Minster was built between the 12th and the 15th Century and is the largest Gothic church in England. Here the South Door is seen to the left. A view of the Minster towering over the city is to the right
The Museum in the undercroft of the Minster shows how the present building was constructed on the site of a Norman Cathedral, which was itself built over the Roman Fort. The first York Minster dates back to the year 627. Bishop Paulinus converted Edwin of Northumbria to Christianity, and Paulinus baptised Edwin in a church especially constructed for the purpose. This wooden church is regarded as the first York Minster and it was subsequently rebuilt in stone and dedicated to St. Peter. |
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The Norman Archbishop of York, Thomas of Bayeux, rebuilt the Minster beginning in 1080 and the foundations of this first Norman church can be seen today in the Minster undercroft. In 1137 the Minster suffered severe fire damage. The choir and crypt were rebuilt beginning in 1154. In 1220 work began to replace the South Transept, followed a few years later by the North Transept, both in the Gothic style. In the North Transept visitors can see the "Five Sisters" lancet windows. The beautiful Chapter House was begun in about 1260 with the nave being replaced in 1291. During this time a central tower was added but this was to collapse in 1407 and was subsequently replaced. Slowly but surely the old Norman cathedral was being fully rebuilt in the Gothic style with the choir being replaced in 1395. Work to erect the two western towers began in the 1430s and by 1472 the work of rebuilding the Minster was complete. The Minster was rededicated on July 3rd of that year. |
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Far left, the choir and organ. In the centre is the beautiful rose window and to the right the nave |
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The Screen is 15th century. Located under the Central Tower it is decorated with statues of fifteen kings of England from William I to Henry VI
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The Chapter House with, regrettably, it's attendant scaffolding. An example of Decorated Gothic the Chapter House was the business centre of the Minster. Work started on the building in 1260 |
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The North Transept and with a view of the Central Tower which was rebuilt after it's collapse in 1407
The transept was replaced with the present one in c. 1225 |
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To the left the West Front |
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Centre, the South Transept and South Door dating from 1220
Under the apex of the front elevation is an external view of the Rose Window |
Detail of one of the West Towers (right)
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The northerly aspect of the West Towers |
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Left, the Great West Door
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Details from the West Front (left and right) |
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A selection of other details including a leadwork drainpipe from the early 19th century |
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