The York Minster is so large that it is impossible from the ground to get a picture that shows it size. It is the largest medieval church in Northern Europe. The site itself has been occupied since 71 AD when the Romans built a fortress there. You can still see the ruins of that fortress underneath the church. There were at least 2 other churches in built on the site. The first was built in 627 AD. The exact site is unknown, but it must have been nearby. In 1080 AD, the Norman Cathedral was built. The foundation of that church also still exists. It is large, but not as large as the current building.
In 1220, the massive rebuilding started in the Gothic Style. About 200 years later, the church was consecrated in its current form. It amazes me that they had the resources and the patience to build such a large structure over such a long period of time. The east window
pictured here was commissioned to be built over 3 years for 45 pounds. There is no point in showing a better picture because what you see is actually a giant picture of the window. The actual window has been taken down for restoration which is estimated to cost 13M pounds, about 300,000 times greater than the original cost.
The interior is stunning. Just a few pictures to give you a feel for it.
The Bible on small podium for reading. This would be an imposing spot to read the lessons for the day for sure. You can see the organ which has 1500 pipes. On the left and the right you can make out pews. We sat in one of those for evening prayer on Saturday night.
Looking along the side of the nave towards the west.
This pictures is taken from below the stained glass window in the previous pictures looking the entire length (more than 1,000 feet) of the cathedral. Caroline is standing less than a quarter of the way to the other end.
The stained glass window over the west entrance near sunset. This is one example of the many wonderful stained glass windows in the Minster.
We attended two more services in the Minster on Saturday--a Holy Communion service at noon and the Evening Prayer at 5:15. At the Communion service, the presiding Priest (who I am pretty sure was the Dean) read a statement from the Archbishop of Canterbury about Communion and the Pandemic. We only got the host which was placed in our hands. The Priests before serving washed their hands in disinfecting gel. And there was to be no touching during the passing of the peace. Typical British efficiency.
The Evening Prayer service had a visiting choir which made it quite special. They sang all the major parts plus an anthem. Boys, girls, men, and perhaps one woman.
