York Minster

Latest Developments

York Minster is the building you see today due to numerous changes and developments throughout its history. These changes continue and you can presently see the latest phase of York Minster's history being carried out on the East Front. Over the last twenty years York Minster has undergone many events. These include:

The Fire of 1984

The fire devastated the South Transept roof. We took the decision to repair the structure using modern materials and techniques but preserving medieval techniques where possible. The fire destroyed bosses necessary to hold the roof together. We decided to alter the design of the bosses from their original foliage pattern to a visual expression of the Benedicite prayer. The 62 newly carved bosses cover all aspects of God's creation. However, six of them were specially chosen after a competition on the children's programme Blue Peter. These bosses represent key events of the twentieth century and depict the landing on the Moon, Save the Whale and the raising of the Mary Rose. The restoration was completed in 1988 and the Queen and Archbishop Habgood rededicated the South Transept in the same year.

The West Front Restoration

In 1990 the West Front restoration began. The work included the carving of a new Genesis order for the Great West Door and the Great West Window tracery. The tracery was replicated through copying the original stonework. The restoration work also included the creation of an entirely new Great West Door archway. The original carving had become worn and illegible. We made the decision to alter the carvings opting for a new interpretation of the early chapters of Genesis. This was designed by the sculptor Rory Young, and translated into stone by the Minster's own carvers. The Great West Door was completed in 1998.

The Girl's Choir

On 19th January 1997 girls were admitted to the Minster Choir for the first time overturning a longstanding history of only admitting boys.  The school had been co-education since 1987 but it took a further ten years to allow girls the right to enter the choir.  The boys and girls choirs rarely sing together except for special occasions.

The Establishment of Lay Chapter

As a result of the Cathedrals Measure in 1999 the church started to admit lay members to the Chapter for the first time.  Chapter is responsible for the running and decision making at York Minster.  York Minster admits four lay members to Chapter.  Our founding lay members were Brigadier Peter Lyddon MBE, Mr Lindsay Mackinlay, Mrs Carol Rymer MBE, JP, DL and Dr Allen Warren.

The Restoration of the St. William Window

This project has been carried out over three years. Started in 2003, the window is currently being restored to its original position in the North Quire Aisle of York Minster. It has been restored by the York Glaziers' Trust sponsored by the Freemasons. The window forms one of the most significant works of art of the 15th century. The window tells the stories of St. William's life, death and miracles. St. William was Archbishop of York from 1143 to 1154. The master glazier John Thornton is thought to be responsible for the St. William Window. He is most famous for his masterpiece the Great East Window, created between 1405 and 1408.

The York Millennium Mystery Plays 2000

The Mystery Plays provide an example of medieval drama using the language of Medieval Yorkshire. They present the history of the world through the birth, death and resurrection of Christ to the Last Judgement. The Mystery Plays are a cycle of plays each depicting a different episode in the story. Each 'episode' used to be performed by different groups of craftsmen. These groups were also known as 'mysteries' and this is where the plays' name originates. In 2000 Dean Furnell suggested the plays be held within York Minster. The York Millennium Mystery Plays were a massive success, with 28 000 people coming to view them. Dr Richard Shepard, our Director of Development and Chamberlain, wrote the music for the plays. The anthems that completed each half of the Plays are played at Special Services within York Minster.

The Development Campaign

Launched on 15th March 2005, the Development Campaign was introduced to raise £30 million for the restoration of the East Front and to help the educational and musical aspects of the Cathedral. HRH The Duke of York is Patron of the campaign. By its first anniversary the Development Campaign had raised £2.5 million in donations and pledges. For more information please follow this link to the Development Campaign pages.

The Installation of Archbishop Sentamu

Archbishop John Sentamu was installed at York Minster on 30th November 2005. This began with the Archbishop banging on the Great West Door with his pastoral staff, and entering to a fanfare and a congregation of some 2,700 people. The service consisted of a mix of traditional and modern music. The Archbishop of Canterbury anointed Archbishop Sentamu during the service. This was very special, as traditionally the Archbishop of Canterbury does not attend the installation of the Archbishop of York. Archbishop Sentamu also accompanied an African dance rendition of 'Siya hambe' ("We are marching in the Light of God") on the bongo drums.