The first thing to know about York Minster is that it is significantly larger. With a central tower over 500 feet long, 100 feet wide, and 200 feet high, it is the largest cathedral in Britain. This church, which can be seen almost everywhere in York City, was built over a period of 250 years and was consecrated in 1472. Since then it has been the heart of York City.
The first church here was built in 627 for the baptism of King Edwin of North Bria. Prior to construction in later centuries, a large number of buildings were destroyed and rebuilt.
The word “minister” is derived from the Anglo-Saxon word for the monastery, which was originally used to describe churches served by monks. Many monasteries in England were closed during the English Reformation, but the term Minster continued to be used for several churches, including York Minster.
The York Minister cites some of the best examples of medieval stained glass in Britain. Be sure to appreciate the Great East Window, which was unveiled to the public in 2018, after decades of renovation efforts during your visit. It also has the largest pink window in Europe, and it’s amazing.
As the center of Christianity in the north of England, York Minster is a living church as well as a major tourist attraction. You can then return during the day to climb the 275 steps of the tower. At the top, you can see panoramic views of the city and the beautiful walls around it. Before leaving the York Minister, you can see the museum in its basement. Its exhibits give a sense of the city’s sheer age and the church’s historical roots. In 71 CE, the Romans established a settlement on the site, naming it Eboracum. The Saxons later called it Iforwick, and after the invasion of the Vikings in 866, they called it Yorwick (pronounced your-wick) as York.
After visiting here you can take a walk along the surrounding streets. York is a walking paradise, mostly a car-free historical center and full of windswept, vineyard centers, fascinating shops, and architectural gems. On Medieval Street, in Shambhalas, you will find several shops dedicated to Harry Potter, from the world of magic to the untitled shop. This is because Diagon Alley is said to be based on the fourteenth-century stone street Shambbles.
