Roman Column at York Minster
History
During archaeological excavations undertaken underneath York Minster‘s tower around the date of York‘s 1900th anniversary, excavators discovered a Roman column lying on its side, in pieces.
This column was originally part of the basilica of a Roman fortress. Historians believe that there were originally 16 columns in the building and that this is where Constantine was declared Emperor in 306 AD.
The column was found in 1969, and it was then moved to its current location in 1971 after the Dean of York Minster donated it to the York Civic Trust. Later, the trust placed a plaque on the column explaining its long history.
The historic marker attached to the Roman column at York Minster
The quotation on the plaque reads:
THIS ROMAN COLUMN ONCE STOOD WITHIN THE GREAT HALL OF THE HEADQUARTERS BUILDING OF THE FORTRESS OF THE SIXTH LEGION (WHOSE EMBLEM WAS A BULL) IN THE FOURTH CENTURY A.D.
IT WAS FOUND IN 1969 DURING THE EXCAVATION OF THE SOUTH TRANSEPT OF THE MINSTER, LYING WHERE IT HAD COLLAPSED.
IT WAS GIVEN BY THE DEAN AND CHAPTER TO THE YORK CIVIC TRUST WHO IN 1971 ERECTED IT ON THIS SITE TO MARK THE 1900TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDATION OF THE CITY BY THE ROMANS IN A.D. 71.
The column is cylindrical and made from grit stone. It stands on a square plinth. Even though the moulded base is intact, there has been some damage to the capital.
In 1983, the column became an English Heritage Grade II listed building.
Getting There – Access
York Minster, Deangate,
York, YO1 7HH
Tel: 01904 557200
Nearby
Visitors to York should of course visit the adjacent York Minster and perhaps enjoy a meal or beverage at the nearby Guy Fawkes Inn. Other places of interest in York include Guy Fawkes birthplace (now the Guy Fawkes Inn), The Shambles, and Monk’s Bar. Additionally, other attractions in the city include the National Railway Museum, the city walls, Jorvik Viking Centre, and Cliffords Tower.
Map of York
Accommodation 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 also 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.
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