York Minster

Behind the Scenes with the Minster Police

Published Thursday 10th August 2006 by Eleanor Course

A new book, ‘Close Encounters: Reminiscences of a York Minster Policeman’ looks at life behind the scenes in the Minster’s own Police force.  York Minster is one of only two cathedrals in the world to have its own Police, and Minster Policeman John Key has published a collection of his highlights in the force. 

John Key has been a member of the Minster’s Police for 21 years, and his book features stories of a woman smuggling a dog into the Minster in her blouse, Civil War ghosts, and unusual intruders in the Minster’s grounds.  John also writes about the history of the Minster Police.  There have been constables at the Minster since 1285, and the Police force was formed in 1829, following the great fire of February 1829. 

The Chancellor of York Minster, Canon Glyn Webster said, “John has written a lively and entertaining series of stories about the life of a Minster Policeman.  Anyone who loves the Minster, or wants to know more about one of its more unusual departments should buy this book, especially as all profits go towards Martin House hospice.”

John Key said, “I wrote this book to let people know about the Minster Police force, to explain who we are and what we do.  We are Police Officers in a non-Home Office force, and that’s rather extraordinary.  The Minster Police force, and the constables before them, have been looking after the Minster for over 700 years, and this is the first book that’s been written about this distinctive force.”

‘Close Encounters’ is available at the Minster Shop, priced £3.99, and all proceeds go to Martin House, Yorkshire’s hospice for children and young people.  Contact 01904 557219 or email shop@yorkminster.org for details on how to buy.