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York Minster

YO1 2HG

Amongst the wealth of historical sites and places of interest, York Minster is definitely a magnet for many tourists and a source of pride for York’s residents. It is the largest Gothic Cathedral north of the Alps and it was built on what was once the headquarters of a Roman fortress.

This period of the Minster's history is recorded in the Minster's Undercroft Museum which contains a number of Roman relics.

First built as a small wooden church built by the chaplain of Princess Ethelburga, who came north to marry King Edwin of Northumbria.

It was later rebuilt as a stone church by Edwin after he was baptised but it fell into disrepair before being rebuilt by the Bishop of York, St. Wilfrid, in 670.

The current building was started in 1220 on a scale to rival Canterbury. It wasn't completed until 1472, although the Minster was in use for much of the ensuing period.

The Minster receives no financial support from central or local government for the building's upkeep and we have reluctantly had to introduce an entry charge to maintain this holy and historic building.

Entry for Residents of York is free but only after presenting a valid ID and a current utility bill. A card may be obtained which makes further visits easier and simpler.

Charges for visitors are as follows:

Entry into the Minster:

Adult: £5.00
Concessions: £3.50
Children (under 16s): Free

Entry to the Undercroft, Treasury & Crypt:
Adults: £3.50
Concessions: £3.00
Children: £2.00

Combined ticket (includes Minster and Undercroft, Treasury & Crypt):
Adults: £7.00
Concessions: £5.00
Entry to the Tower
Adults: £3.00
Children: £1.00
Concessions are seniors (60+) and students.

The Minster’s history is quite exceptional and mirrors the main historical events of the North. However, in 1967 a two-year survey of the building by the new Minster architect, Bernard Fielden, showed the cathedral to be in danger of collapse. Within fifteen years it would be unable to withstand the repairs necessary to save it. In 1972 the Minster celebrated the completion of the restoration work during the five hundredth anniversary of the original completion of the building.

On 9 July 1984 a fire, probably caused by lightning, destroyed the roof of the South Transept.

In 1998 work was completed on the restoration of the great West door with new tracery carved by the Minster's staff of permanent craftsmen.

Whatever is said about the Minster and regardless of people’s beliefs and persuasion, the interior of the Minster is quite breathtaking. It is probably a reflection of the hectic pace of life that not many citizens of York take the time to visit this timeless masterpiece.

Well worth a visit, it is always rather special to attend the midnight mass at Christmas, which is guaranteed to be filled with people, music and a unique atmosphere.

York Minster
Deangate
York
YO1 2HG
Tel: 01904 557216
Fax: 01904 557201