York Minster
Deangate
Yorkshire
The baptism of Edwin, the pagan king of Northumbria, prompted the construction in AD627, of what is considered to be the first York Minster.
Centuries of rebuilding, destruction in battle or through fire passed, but it was the accession of Walter de Gray which marked the most important turning point in the history of the medieval Minster. Gray commenced construction of the Minster as we know it today, in 1220, in an attempt to rival the great cathedral at Canterbury.
After numerous changes and collapses, the final structure was completed in 1472.
The Minster has sadly suffered three major fires since, the most recent being in 1984. Fortunately, the sixteenth century Rose window had been re-leaded 12 years before the fire and the glass stayed in place despite being fragmented into 40,000 pieces by the intense heat.
Other lovely things to note are its carvings, beautiful windows and treasures.
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