York Minster

Major Campaign Launched

Published Tuesday 15th March 2005 by Eleanor Course

The Dean and Chapter of York today launched a major development campaign, the centrepiece of which is the restoration of the East Front of York Minster.  A detailed study has revealed that both the stonework and glass require urgent attention, to repair damaged areas and conserve what is one of the finest examples of medieval architecture in the world.  The Campaign is supported by HRH Duke of York, who is acting as its Patron.

The East Front features the magnificent Great East Window, which is the biggest single expanse of medieval stained glass in the world.  It is roughly the size of a tennis court, and contains exemplary medieval glass painting.  The window needs re-leading, and greater protection against the elements must be put in place.  Much of the tracery surrounding the window needs to be replaced, which means that the Window itself will need to be removed, panel by panel.  Most of the East Front stonework has not been repaired since it was built in the early fifteenth century, and needs extensive work.  Some high level masonry has become unsafe and needs securing, and widespread erosion of the stonework means that many of the stones will have to be replaced. 

The work on the East Front will be done by the Minster’s Works Department and the York Glaziers’ Trust, and although they are ready and willing to meet this challenge, the scale of this project means that the Dean and Chapter cannot meet the necessary funds.  The cost of the whole project will depend on the advice from experts in stone glass and engineering.  Our Quantity Surveyor, in consultation with the Surveyor of the Fabric, has estimated that the planned work on the fabric of the Minster will cost approximately £23,000,000.

The Minster receives no funding from national or local Government, and relies of the generosity of the public to help maintain the building in its grandeur.  The Campaign will also focus on the educational work of the Minster, and the work of the Choir.

The Dean of York, the Very Revd Keith Jones, said, “This work is essential to the life of the Minster.  The building exists to give glory to God, and to be a sign of His kingdom on Earth. The task of restoring the East End has fallen to our generation, and we must do our best, so generations to come can enjoy this splendour of the Minster.  The Minster is so special to the people of Yorkshire, and to the British public, that we must keep it in fine condition”.

Dr Richard Shephard, Director of Development, said, “York Minster receives no direct Government funding, and we rely on the generosity of the public to help fund this project.  It will cost in the region of £23,000,000 to repair the fabric of the Minster.  This may seem like a huge sum of money, but when you look at the scale of the project, and the intricacy of the work that must be done, you realise this money must be found”.

Mr Steve Mills, Superintendent of Works at the Minster said,  “The East Front needs restoring rather urgently.  This isn’t cosmetic work, but essential repairs to keep the building safe and secure.  Some of the masonry is dangerously loose, and the glass is in urgent need of conservation.  We have excellent craftsmen in the Stoneyard and at the York Glaziers’ Trust, and we need the public to rise to the occasion and help us raise the money needed”.

If you are able to help preserve the fabric and work of York Minster, please contactDr Richard Shephard at the Development Office, Church House, Ogleforth, York YO1 7JN; telephone 01904 557245 or email campaign@yorkminster.org.  Cheques should be made payable to the York Minster Fund.