York Minster

Hugh Bayley MP to visit Minster's East Front

Published Wednesday 28th June 2006 by Eleanor Course

York’s MP, Hugh Bayley will be visiting York Minster on Monday 3 July to view the restoration work to be done on the Minster’s East Front.  Mr. Bayley will ascend the scaffolding covering the East Front to see for himself the state of the stonework and glass, and what work is being done to restore it.

York Minster receives no money from central or local government, and must raise the £23 million need to restore the East Front from charitable donations.  So far, nearly £3 million has been raised.  The centerpiece of the East Front is the Great East Window, the largest expanse of medieval stained glass in the world, which has been described as ‘the Sistine Chapel of the stained glass world’.

Mr. Bayley said, "York Minster is one of the world's greatest buildings. The medieval craftsmanship is fabulous, and it is our responsibility to maintain it for future generations. When you climb the scaffolding you are overawed by the scale of the restoration. They have done brilliantly to raise so much money so quickly, but much more will be needed. It will take 10 years to finish the Great East Window and the East Front”.

The Director of Development, Dr Richard Shephard said, "Mr Bayley has shown considerable interest in and support for the East Front Project from the moment it started. His visit to inspect the work is most welcome".

Anyone able to help keep York Minster in its full glory can send a cheque, made payable to ‘York Minster Fund’ to The Development Office, Church House, Ogleforth, York, Y01 7JN.