York Minster: A Gothic Cathedral

York Minster stands as one of England’s most popular attractions, drawing in over two million visitors from across the globe each year. This stunning architectural masterpiece, which took over 250 years to build, showcases extraordinary carvings and the largest collection of intact medieval stained glass windows worldwide.

Northern Europe’s Biggest Gothic Cathedral

Its Size Is Also Fantastic

• Length: 525 feet (160 meters) – That’s 165 feet longer than an official NFL football field.
• Width: 249 feet (76 meters) – Slightly wider than a UK soccer pitch.
• Height to vault: 88.5 feet (27 meters) – Comparable to the height of an 8-story building.
• West towers: At 184 feet each (56 meters), nearly the height of a 17-story building.
• Lantern tower: 233 feet (71 meters) – A winding staircase of 275 steps leads to the highest point in York, weighing 16,000 metric tons, equivalent to 40 jumbo jets.

As Northern Europe’s largest consecrated Medieval Gothic space, York Minster is recognized as one of the world’s largest Medieval Gothic cathedrals, surpassed only by Chartres in France.

What Is a Minster? York Minster’s 2,000 Years of History

The term “minster” refers to a historic church, established to promote Christianity. Apart from York Minster, Westminster Abbey is the only site retaining this title, linking to England’s ecclesiastical heritage.

York Minster is multifaceted:

• A location for regular worship services
• The seat of the Archbishop of York
• A historical minster

The Original Minster

Construction of the current cathedral began around 1215, but York was already established as a minster by 627, following the baptism of King Edwin of Northumbria.

By about 1100, the Normans had replaced earlier structures with a larger church, forming part of the existing foundation.

An Earlier, Roman History

Constantine was proclaimed Emperor of the Western Roman Empire in York, then known as Eboracum. The city served as a crucial Roman stronghold, and the Emperor Septimus Severus ruled the empire from there during the early 3rd century.

Constantine’s declaration of religious tolerance in 313 A.D. laid the groundwork for Christianity’s proliferation across the empire. Evidence suggests his proclamation may have occurred in a Roman basilica beneath York Minster, discovered during renovations in 1967.

Why Admission Charges?

While York Minster remains a Christian worship venue with free access during services, managing such a historic site requires funding. The Minster caters to the needs of a vast array of visitors, with an operational cost exceeding:

• £10,000 per day
• £415 per hour
• £7 per minute

Unfortunately, neither the UK government nor the Anglican Church funds its upkeep, leading to the implementation of admission fees for non-worshippers in 2003.

Mistletoe on the High Altar

Uniquely, York Minster decorates its high altar with mistletoe alongside holly during Christmas. This practice connects to Britain’s Druid heritage, where mistletoe was believed to possess protective powers against evil spirits.

Though initially banned in church settings, the tradition has endured in York, with a historical Mistletoe Service inviting repentance and forgiveness.

York Minster’s Tower

The Central Tower, also known as the Lantern Tower, represents an impressive feat of engineering from the 15th century. Standing over 230 feet, it offers stunning views of York and its medieval landscape from its summit.

The tower climb is restricted: children under 8 are not allowed, while those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

The Rose Window—A Stained Glass Phoenix Rising From the Ashes

This masterpiece of stained glass was nearly destroyed by fire in the 1980s. The original stonework dates back to the mid-13th century, with glasswork added in the late 15th century. Restoration efforts took place after the 1984 fire, costing approximately $4 million.

Polishing the Minster’s Crown Jewels

York Minster houses some of the world’s most exquisite Medieval stained glass. The Great East Window and the Five Sisters remain some of the few to retain their original designs, with restoration projects often reaching millions in cost.

The Chapter House—York Minster’s Beautiful Octagonal Room

Established in the 13th century, the Chapter House is renowned for its octagonal shape and lack of a central column. It serves as a meeting space for the clergy and retains its historical significance.

The Chapter House Ceiling—A Medieval Engineering Marvel

The ceiling showcases a stunning wooden vault, completed at the end of the 13th century. Its intricate designs exemplify the craftsmanship of the period.

York Minster Carvings—Unique Evidence of Each Stonemason’s Personality

The Chapter House features historical carvings that reflect the individual artistry of stonemasons from 1270 to 1280. Modern artisans continue this tradition, contributing their own humorous touches throughout the Minster.