York Minster Gothic Masterpiece

York Minster, York, Yorkshire, Northern England

History | Architecture | Access | Cathedrals in Britain

York Minster is one of Britain’s finest cathedrals. Constructed over 200 years from the 1220’s to 1470, York Minster is a must-see on any visit to the historic city of York in northern England.

One of England’s largest and most beautiful churches is in York

History

The first wooden church near the site was built for the baptism of the Anglo Saxon King, Edwin of Northumbria in 627. Later a stone Norman church was begun nearby, remains of which can be seen in the Undercroft.

The towers of the church

Norman Period

From 1220 this Norman church was gradually enlarged to become the Minster we see today, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in northern Europe after Cologne Cathedral in Germany.

The earlier Roman influence on York can also be appreciated from the remains of Emperor Constantine’s palace that are located under the central tower.

Rose Window

Windows

York Minister is known for its famous Rose Window (shown in the photograph above) and the Great East Window, (completed in 1408), the largest area of medieval stained glass in the world.

This shows scenes from Genesis and Revelation – the beginning and end of the world.

The Minster has been damaged by fire and other calamities (there was extensive damage, for example, done in the English Reformation). Thereafter the church has been repaired over time including as recently as 1984, when a roof was destroyed in a blaze.

Signs radiate out to York’s many attractions

Archbishop of York

York Minster is the seat of the Archbishop of York, after the Archbishop of Canterbury, with his seat in Canterbury Cathedral, the second-highest office of the Church of England.

The church plays host to various musical concerts, which can be booked online. There is also a shop within the church selling CD’s of music from York Minster, books and carvings.

The Minster in York

Access – Getting There

York Minster (www.yorkminster.org)
Administration offices
10-14 Ogleforth, York
YO1 7JN
Tel: 0844 939 0011

Admission

Admission 11 GBP for adults; 9 GBP for seniors and students
Hours: Monday – Saturday: open 9 am (9.30 am November- March); last entry 5.30 pm

Sunday: 12.00 noon – 3.45 pm

There is no sightseeing on Good Friday and Easter Sunday or on Sundays before 12.00 noon

York Minster is a pleasant 700-meter walk from York Station. There are train services to York from both Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester International Airport as well as London Euston.

Roman column at York Minster

Nearby

Other places of interest in York include Guy Fawkes birthplace (now the Guy Fawkes Inn), The Shambles, Monk’s Bar, the National Railway Museum, the city walls, Jorvik Viking Centre and Cliffords Tower. Standing outside the cathedral is a Roman column, believed to be part of the building where Constantine was proclaimed Emperor of Rome in 306 AD.

See a list of the best museums in York.

The Minster in York towers above the surrounding buildings

Hotels in York

Places to stay in York include the four-star Gray’s Court Hotel, the four-star Dean Court Hotel, the four-star Hilton York, and the four-star Holiday Inn York City Centre. The Principal York close to York Station is a five-star property.

See a complete list of places to stay in York from luxury hotels to budget hostels and guest houses.

Hotels and Guesthouses in York UK (see a listing of accommodation options in York with Agoda).