Forward features pack
May 2012
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Contents
About this pack ....................................................................................................................................... 3
Fascinating facts about York Minster – a whistle-stop guide ................................................................. 4
About York Minster ................................................................................................................................. 5
The Building ........................................................................................................................................ 5
The Nave ............................................................................................................................................. 5
East End............................................................................................................................................... 5
South Transept .................................................................................................................................... 6
North Transept .................................................................................................................................... 6
The Central Tower............................................................................................................................... 6
The Chapter House ............................................................................................................................. 7
Plan of York Minster................................................................................................................................ 8
2012 – the year to celebrate the Eight Wonders of York Minster .......................................................... 9
Music at York Minster ........................................................................................................................... 10
Advent and Christmas at York Minster ................................................................................................. 12
York Minster Revealed .......................................................................................................................... 13
The Great East Window .................................................................................................................... 13
The Undercroft and Treasury ............................................................................................................ 14
Exterior works ................................................................................................................................... 14
The people of York Minster .................................................................................................................. 15
The Chancellor .................................................................................................................................. 15
The Precentor ................................................................................................................................... 15
Director of Music .............................................................................................................................. 15
The Head Verger ............................................................................................................................... 15
Minster Police ................................................................................................................................... 16
Filming and photography in York Minster ............................................................................................ 17
Unique perspectives ......................................................................................................................... 17
Restrictions ....................................................................................................................................... 17
Charges and fees ............................................................................................................................... 18
Calendar of events taking place at York Minster in 2012 ..................................................................... 19
Photo gallery ......................................................................................................................................... 21
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About this pack
York Minster is Northern Europe’s largest medieval Gothic cathedral. It is also one of the UK’s most
media friendly cathedrals, regularly welcoming in journalists, writers, radio and TV programme
makers to use its stunning precincts as the background to stories, or indeed, to reveal some of the
hidden stories within its walls and grounds.
This pack has been compiled to give an idea of some of the stories yet to be told about York Minster
and hopefully inspire you to visit and come to talk to us about how we can work together to share
York Minster’s stories with a wider audience.
Although York Minster is a living church with a busy schedule of services and celebrations, we are
usually able to fit in just about any kind of filming, recording or photography with an enthusiastic
team working behind the scenes to make the Minster what you need it to be, from a church packed
with enthusiastic singers for Songs of Praise to a cavernous space where good can battle evil, as
recently seen on ITV1’s legal angel drama, Eternal Law.
If you would like to arrange a visit to York Minster, please contact:
Jay Commins
Strategic projects consultant
Tel: 0113 251 5698
Email: jay@fim.org.uk
Lisa Sinclair
Press Officer
Tel: 0844 939 0014 ext. 2480
Email: lisas@yorkminster.org
Pam Simpson
YMR Marketing Officer
Tel: 07785 615497
Email: pamelas@yorkminster.org
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Fascinating facts about York Minster – a whistle-stop guide

York Minster holds 60% of England’s medieval stained glass.

The Central Tower is large enough to fit the Tower of Pisa inside.

The Minster is one of only seven cathedrals in the world to have its own police force.

York Minster’s annual nativity service is the world’s largest unrehearsed nativity!

The Central Tower collapsed in 1407 due to the soft soil beneath, and nearly collapsed again
in the 1970s before major structural work reinforced its foundations.

128 medieval windows grace the building.

The Great East Window is the single largest medieval stained glass window in the country.
As an example of medieval art, it is of international significance, the artisitc and English
equivalent of the Sistine Chapel

Several bosses (wooden protrusions at the intersection of vaults) in York Minster’s South
Transept were designed by young viewers of Blue Peter.

The Kings Screen, which separates the Quire from the rest of the Minster, is unusually
asymmetric – as it depicts kings on the throne during the construction of the Minster, it had
to be extended when Henry V died.

The Chapter House hosted Edward I’s parliament in 1297.

16 miles of scaffolding is being used on the East End’s exterior works.

The Minster Choir is the only mixed (boys and girls) choir in the country where students do
not board, but share services and performances equally.

Each panel of glass in the Great East Window takes a conservator around 600 hours to fully
restore. There are 311 panels in total.

York Minster Revealed is the largest conservation and restoration project of its kind in the
UK
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About York Minster
York Minster is located in one of the most significant venues for Christianity in Europe. The Roman
Emperor, Constantine, lived in the city – then known as Eboracum – and ruled the mighty Empire
from York. Constantine the Great (272-337 AD) was credited with converting the Empire to
Christianity, although he was not baptised himself until he lay on his death bed. Historians believe
that this was because he knew that the sometimes brutal steps he would have had to take to make
this change – sins for which he wanted to be forgiven before he left this mortal coil. A statue of
Constantine was erected outside York Minster in 1998.
The York Minster that you see today is the second Minster to have stood on this plot, and was built
over a sixty year period from 1291 to the 1350s, replacing a Norman Minster, the remains of which
still lie underneath the floor. However, before it was established in its current location, York had at
least two more Minsters, the locations of which are now unknown. This includeda Saxon Minster
built specifically for the baptism of King Edwin of Northumbria in 627, supposedly on the site where
Constantine had been proclaimed emperor.
With 128 medieval windows, York Minster has more historic stained glass than any other building in
the UK, housing 60% of all surviving medieval stained glass in situ within its windows. Indeed, the
Great East Window, currently undergoing restoration as part of the York Minster Revealed project, is
the world’s largest medieval stained glass window.
The Building
York Minster is cross-shaped, with the vertical part of the cross running from East to West.
The Nave
The largest part of the Minster is the Nave, which is 100m long and 30m wide. Although usually
filled with chairs, these can easily be removed to leave a large, open space – as seen in the final fight
scene of ITV1’s Eternal Law. This gives amazing flexibility to the space, not only for filming, but also
for services. For example, when Her Majesty The Queen visited on Maundy Thursday 2012, the
chairs were arranged in blocks facing each other with a central aisle – very different from the more
conventional forward-facing format usually seen.
East End
In the East End of the Minster is the Quire, an area surrounded by elaborate partitions to create a
more intimate space, which is used for daily Evensong. At the far East End of the building is the
Great East Window – or, at the moment, the space where the Great East Window will be.
The window is currently undergoing a massive conservation project, with every individual panel
removed to be carefully restored to its original glory. Currently, a huge actual-size print of the
window hangs in its place – the largest of its kind in the world. In October 2012, a bold new
interactive display space will be revealed situated within the East End to showcase some of the
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panels as restoration is completed. For more information, please see the York Minster Revealed
section later in this document.
South Transept
From Spring 2013, the South Transept will be the main visitor entrance to York Minster. From here,
you access the Camera Cantorum (the choir’s rehearsal spaces) and the shop. There is also the
entrance to the Undercroft, which is currently being redeveloped as part of the York Minster
Revealed project. The works have enabled archaeologists to dig beneath the Undercroft, with some
fascinating finds covering the Norman and Anglo-Scandinavian periods and even back to Roman
York.
The Undercroft will re-open in 2013 with brand new interactive displays, transforming the visitor
experience sothat visitors can learn about the building, its history and future.
The South Transept was ravaged by fire in 1984; any regular viewers of Blue Peter at the time will
see the bosses in the roof that were designed by competition winners. It is also home to York
Minster’s famous Rose Window.
North Transept
The North Transept of the Minster is dominated by the Five Sisters window, filled with grisaille glass
(from the French for ‘greyness’), hand-painted and set into intricate geometric designs. The central
panel features one more colourful section, taken from the Norman Minster and inspired by the
Crusades.
It also features the Astronomical Clock, a memorial to members of the armed forces who lost their
lives in World War II, and is used as a temporary exhibition space.
The Central Tower
At the intersection of the Minster’s wings is the Central Tower. Visitors can climb up to the top of
the Tower in dedicated tours and enjoy the views from the highest point in York, or marvel at it from
the inside. The scale of the Tower’s size and grandeur can be put into context when you consider
that the Leaning Tower of Pisa would fit inside it, assuming of course, that it stood straight! The
Tower was originally designed to have a spire on the top, like Salisbury Cathedral, but York’s soft
ground made this impossible. The original tower collapsed in 1407, and it is only thanks to extensive
works in the 1970s that the Tower remains stable today.
The Tower has a mechanised winch which hangs down from the central roof boss. This is used to
suspend the Advent Wreath – probably the largest in the country – in December, and to hold a large
wooden cross during Holy Week.
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The Chapter House
The Chapter House is one of York Minster’s hidden gems! An octagonal building with a soaring roof
and, unusually, no central pillar to support the ceiling, the space has stunning stained glass in the
windows, an elaborately painted ceiling, with some of the most amazing acoustics in York.
Built in the Decorated Gothic style, it was begun in 1260 and completed in 1286. Its walls
contain some of the Minster's finest carvings, most dating from 1270 to 80. These carvings
include characters you might not expect to see within a building of this importance, from a
lowly mouse, cats and dogs to a jester, and several characters pulling funny faces.
The Chapter House is still used as a meeting place by the Dean and Chapter today. The statutes
which govern the organisation have changed very little since they were first established by
Thomas of Bayeux in the late 11th century. Each wall contains six seats: to emphasise the
equality of all members, no-one can sit centrally.
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Plan of York Minster
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2012 – the year to celebrate the Eight Wonders of York Minster
In 2012, the city of York will be celebrating 800 years since it received its Royal Charter, and York
Minster will be reflecting this with a programme of events, tours, talks and activities looking at
different wonders of the Minster each month.
The 8 Wonders campaign kicked off with one of York Minster’s biggest and most important weeks of
the year, Holy Week, from Palm Sunday (1 April) through to Easter Sunday (8 April). This year’s Palm
Sunday was marked with a procession, led by a donkey and with the Dean and clergy carrying palm
fronds from York’s St Helen’s Square to the Minster to represent Jesus’s journey into Jerusalem.
Other aspects of the 8 Wonders will include a month looking at music within the Minster, from the
work of the choristers to performances on York Minster’s four organs during May, the eight ‘must
see’ aspects of any visit to York Minster alongside an investigation of the curious incidence of the
‘Number 8’ within the design of York Minster, an exploration of the York Minster Revealed project,
including a spectacular display of some of the stained glass from the Great East Window, which is
currently being restored, and culminating in the celebration of Advent and Christmas in December.
The 8 Wonders of York Minster are:
1. Easter, especially Holy Week
2. Treasures – the eight must-see features of the Minster, from the Chapter House to the
Astronomical Clock
3. Curiosities – eight items, one for each of the eight centuries of the Minster’s existence,
which feature the number eight in its story of design
4. Music at the Minster
5. The Central Tower
6. York Minster Revealed, the major project currently underway to conserve and restore
some of the most important aspects of York Minster’s building and fabric.
7. The Great East Window, one of the most significant pieces of stained glass in the world
8. Christmas in the Minster, from Advent to Epiphany
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Music at York Minster
Music is one of the eight wonders of York Minster, as it is woven into so much of life within the
Minster. There has been a tradition of musical performance and composition at York Minster
spanning a millennium.
York Minster has a very active choir made up of Choristers and Songmen; it is one of the leading UK
choirs. The choristers are all students at the neighbouring Minster School. York Minster was one of
the UK’s first cathedrals to introduce girl choristers alongside the boys. The girls and boys each
handle half of the sung services within York Minster, joining forces for major events, including the
Christmas Carol Concert and Easter Day services.
York Minster is the only UK Cathedral with this even split of responsibilities that doesn’t require
choristers to board at the school. As one of the top cathedral choirs in the country, competition for
places in the choir is high, and indeed, some of the families of current choristers have relocated the
whole family so that their children can be part of the choir.
Alongside the nationally-renowned choir, York Minster also has an excellent programme of visiting
musicians, and concerts and performances from individuals and groups who use York Minster as
their base. May 2012 will see the launch of a unique series of lunchtime promenade concerts on
one of the Minster’s four organs, the first performed by York Minster’s Director and Assistant
Director of Music, Robert Sharpe and David Pipe, themselves part of a York Minster’s pool of exciting
fresh, young talent.
The music performed within the Minster comes from a wide and varied repertoire, from
performances of some of the earliest music recorded to modern popular, both secular and sacred.
Earlier this year, a performance of Duke Ellington’s Sacred Works took place, top British folk band,
The Unthanks perform on 17 August, whilst in October, Aled Jones will host an evening of music.
Over the year, York Minster’s musicians have not only performed some of the finest music ever
composed, they have also written celebrated pieces which are performed the world over. This
tradition of composition dates back 1000 years, with surviving alumni including Dr Francis Jackson
CBE, who at 94 years old, still devotes his time to performance and composition, Philip Moore, who
has written music for the Royal Maundy services and anthems for Westminster Abbey and Salisbury
Cathedral, and world-famous organist, John Scott Whiteley.
York Minster’s Chamberlain, Dr Richard Shepherd, is one of the most frequently performed and
broadcast composers of church music across the UK and United States. He continues to perform at
York Minster, where his role of Chamberlain sees him singing the versicles and responses at choral
services.
Feature opportunities looking at the music in the Minster include:
 The life of a chorister, looking at how children as young as eight years old cope with the
demands of being in the York Minster choir.
 The YM Factor, following choristers from their audition (at age six or seven, usually takes
place in February) through their ‘probationary’ year until they receive their surplice as a full
chorister the following September.
 Spoilt for choice: Robert Sharpe not only has four organs in the Minster to play upon, but
also two in his home. The Director of Music lives adjacent to York Minster in a house which
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has its very own pipe organ, and having brought an organ of his own to the house, he now
has six organs at his disposal.
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Advent and Christmas at York Minster
The busiest time of the year for York Minster, Christmas and the four weeks of Advent running up to
it are a time of celebration and reflection.
The season of Advent commences with the building of the Advent Wreath, which is one of the (if not
the) largest advent wreaths in the country. Built in the week before Advent Sunday (2 December
2012) the wreath is a three-metre diameter ring of foliage that is suspended beneath York Minster’s
Central Tower. The wreath is built across a day by York Minster’s team of florists using foliage from
their own gardens and from Dean’s Park (adjacent to the Minster), and hoisted into place, watched
by children of the Minster School’s pre-prep department. The wreath features four one-metre high
candles, one of which is lit each Sunday in the run-up to Christmas, with the final candle being lit on
Christmas Day.
The start of Advent is marked by a candlelit service, the Advent Procession. The service starts with
York Minster in darkness, with a single candle lit. From this single flame, the fire is spread with every
member of the congregation of over a thousand holding a candle, lighting the Minster in
spectacularly atmospheric style as the choristers and clergy process around the Minster.
A sped-up film of 2011’s Advent Procession can be viewed on York Minster’s YouTube channel.
The York Minster Carol Concert is one of the busiest and most celebrated events in the calendar.
Featuring the full York Minster Choir plus a brass band, for many people it is traditionally the start of
the Festive season. As tickets are in such high demand, for the first time in 2012 there will be 2
concerts: 7 & 14 December.
York Minster also plays host to a number of other carol concerts almost daily throughout December.
For York Minster, the Advent season offers a wonderful opportunity to welcome families, both to
services and other fun activities hosted throughout the building. The annual Nativity service is
thought to be the largest unrehearsed nativity in the world, with up to 250 children in all manner of
costume – from Joseph and Mary to Power Rangers, Indiana Jones and dragons – are invited to join
in a colourful celebration of the Christmas story.
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York Minster Revealed
The York Minster Revealed project is a five-year project generously supported by a £10.5m grant
from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), scheduled for completion in early summer 2016. It is the
largest restoration and conservation project of its kind in the UK.
State-of-the-art multi-media galleries, new displays of historic collections and interactive
interpretations will create new learning opportunities for all ages. Also improved access to the South
Transept, Undercroft, Treasury and Crypt will totally transform the experience of visiting York
Minster.
It is exciting times at the Minster with the first part of York Minster Revealed launched in October
2012. This will include the unveiling of an elliptical stained-glass Orb, and interactive galleries with a
once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see, at close range, some of the magnificently restored panels of
the Great East Window.
Throughout the project training and apprenticeships in traditional craft skills are being developed
alongside award-winning conservation studios, putting York on the international map. During the
warmer months visitors can witness the stonemasons at work in the Masons Lodge, which is
situated near the East End of the Minster.
The Great East Window
One of the largest projects within York Minster Revealed is the restoration of the Great East
Window, a superb work of art created by John Thornton in the early 15th century, regularly credited
as one of the finest and largest medieval stained glass windows in the world: England’s artistic
equivalent to the Sistine Chapel.
The 117 panels which make up the window were removed in 2008, and in their place is hung the
world’s highest resolution digital graphic, a nearly life-size replica of the window which is larger than
a tennis court.
The window depicts the Book of Genesis at one side, the Book of Revelations at the other, and
events from the Hebrew Bible in between. The original window cost £56, although John Thornton
did receive a £10 bonus for finishing on time!
The window is currently being restored by York Glaziers’ Trust. The window is due to be reinstalled
in 2015, but in the meantime, in October 2012, York Minster will open a new viewing space offering
visitors a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the glass in the window in its restored state up close.
The exhibition will be located in a specially built elliptical Orb which will sit in the East End of York
Minster for three years – a stunningly contemporary setting for one of the best surviving examples
of medieval art in the world.
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It takes 600 hours for one conservator to restore one square panel of the Great East Window, this is
approximately four working months. It is estimated that the project will be able to celebrate its
halfway stage in June 2012.
The Undercroft and Treasury
Work is currently underway to create a whole new accessible exhibition space in the Undercroft and
Treasury beneath York Minster, set to open in Spring 2013. During Spring 2012, archaeologists were
excavating an area where a lift will be installed to take visitors down into the Undercroft, and have
made some very exciting finds, including human remains from an early medieval Charnal pit and
some intriguing post holes, possibly dating from thethe time of Viking York and just before the
Norman Conquestone of the least understood periods. Over 2012, the finds will be scientifically
analysed to reveal their secrets.
Spring 2013 will see the opening of the Undercroft and Treasury:visitors can take an inspirational
journey into the underground chambers of the vast Undercroft and Treasury, revealing York
Minster’s past, present and future. Dynamic, new interactive displays will reveal the significance
behind York Minster’s most treasured artefacts as never before.
Exterior works
The whole exterior of the 600-year old East End of York Minster is currently covered by scaffolding,
providing easy access to the upper levels and roof where the masonry restoration work is currently
underway. Accessed by a lift, the scaffold gives unique access to areas that will, in just four years’
time, only be visible from ground level, as well as stunning views over the City.
The work is being undertaken by York Minster’s dedicated team of stonemasons. Comprising some
of the best masons in the world, these artisans are restoring and recreating not only the building’s
historic masonry, but also replacing some of the grotesques that have adorned the Minster for
hundreds of years, which have been eroded by the weather.
York Minster also has a proud tradition of training new apprentice masons, to keep the stone
masonry art very much alive – an essential part of maintaining and restoring this historic building.
Members of the public can watch the stone masons at work every day in an open workshop near the
South door of York Minster.
The scaffolding which provides access to the East End is almost of work of art in itself, made up of 16
miles of tubing held together by 17,000 fittings.
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The people of York Minster
When you have such a magnificent building as York Minster, it is easy to overlook the people who
make the Cathedral run as both a place of worship and an internationally-renowned tourist hotspot
every day of the year.
2012 is set to be a very interesting year for York Minster – in April, its Dean, the Very Reverend Keith
Jones, is retiring, at which point the search will start for a new Dean. However, holding the fort in
the meantime will be the Precentor, Canon Peter Moger, and the Chancellor, Canon Glyn Webster.
The Dean and Canons are supported by several other members of the clergy, as well as a team of
vergers, under the watchful gaze of head verger, Alex Carberry, who manages the day-to-day
operations of York Minster, an operational team looking after the visitors, and a veritable army of
volunteer guides and florists.
The Chancellor
Canon Glyn Webster is York Minster’s Chancellor. Although a senior figure within the Church of
England – he was appointed Chaplain to Her Majesty the Queen in November 2011 and sits on both
the Archbishops’ Council and the General Synod – he was also described as ‘twinkly and
mischievous’ in a review in the Radio Times.
The Precentor
Canon Peter Moger is York Minster’s Precentor, a role which sees him planning and organising the
daily and weekly worship at York Minster, including the recent Royal Maundy service. Canon Moger
joined York Minster in 2010, having previously been the Church of England’s National Worship
Development Officer. He is also a keen musician, playing the organ and composing, working with
the Royal School of Church Music.
Director of Music
Robert Sharpe is a well-known organ recitalist who joined York Minster in 2009 as its Director of
Music, having moved to Yorkshire from Cornwall, where he held a similar position for Truro
Cathedral. Robert is responsible for all the music performed during services at York Minster, and
leads the Minster Choir, including the young choristers from the Minster School. Indeed, his work
with the Minster Choir has elevated it to become one of the top cathedral choirs in the country, if
not the world.
The Head Verger
Alex Carberry is York Minster’s Head Verger, managing a team of five vergers who assist the clergy to
see that everything is ready for services, and leading the choir and the clergy to their places for
services. The role draws its name from the rod with a silver top called a ‘verge’ which is carried as
part of the procession.
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Minster Police
York Minster is one of only seven cathedrals around the world which as its own police force.
Although it was first given the title of Minster Police in 1855, nightly patrols by watchmen or
constables were put in place from 1829, when a local mad man, Jonathan Martin, set fire to the
building. Sir Robert Peel himself is said to have visited the Minster Police, and may have been
inspired by it, before he established his own Police Constabulary.
However, the tradition of an independent body responsible for law and order dates back much
further. In 1285, the Minster was contained by stone walls, and was responsible for its own legal
system, including constables, magistrates and coroners. This ‘Liberty’ remained in force until 1839.
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Filming and photography in York Minster
York Minster is well accustomed to welcoming film crews and photographers.
Unique perspectives
If you are photographing or filming in the Minster, you are not restricted to taking perspectives from
ground level, as there are a number of spaces not normally open to the public from which you can
get an elevated view of the floor below, or indeed, a closer view of the elaborately-decorated bosses
in York Minster’s roof.
These include:
 The organ loft above the Kings’ Screen. Easy to access, this provides a view down the Nave
looking towards the West Door from the top of the Kings Screen. This view is ideal for
capturing the congregation during a service, or the scale of the Nave at other times. The
opposite side of the organ loft offers views east into the Quire (the area where Evensong is
performed).
 The West Window, above the West Door. This is a narrow walkway at the bottom of the
South Window, from which you can view straight up the Nave aisle towards the Kings
Screen.
 The upper part of the Five Sisters window. A narrow walkway crosses the window above the
Five Sisters Window. This offers excellent views of the bosses in the roof, and also looking
down towards the transcept and towards the South door. However, it has a restricted view
of the Rose Window (above the South door) because of the ceiling ribs.
York Minster also has its own ‘cherry picker’, which can be used by prior arrangement.
Outside of York Minster, the scaffolding that covers the exterior of the East End can also be
accessed, with an external lift offering access to the top of the Minster outside. This enables access
to the masonry around the Great East Window (all of the historic glass in the East Window is
currently undergoing restoration in the nearby Bedern Glaziers Studio, part of York Glaziers’ Trust),
as well as unrestricted views of the city from the upper levels. The Tower also provides panoramic
views over the city.
The Bell Towers on the West End also provide access to the top of the Heart of Yorkshire window
and views across York as well as the Bell Ringing Chamber, housing 12 bells and a unique carillon,
and the Great Peter Bell.
Restrictions
Within the Minster, some of the elevated viewing platforms do require access via narrow spiral
staircases and narrow passageways. Similarly, the pathways themselves are often narrow ledges
with limited guardrails (usually, wire barriers are in place). Full risk assessments must be in place
before filming or photography can take place in these areas. The elevated areas are not suitable for
anyone suffering from vertigo, and the climbs, particularly with equipment. Preview visits are
strongly recommended.
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Charges and fees
Charges are levied for filming and photography in the Minster in certain circumstances:
Where the images are to be sold for profit (so this would include photographs for photo libraries)
Where the filming is for fictional purposes or for a programme not directly promoting York Minster
as a visitor destination
For news items, or for programme or feature opportunities which feature in this pack, filming
requests are dealt with on a case-by-case basis and fees may be waived.
In addition, all commercial filming must be presented and approved by the Dean and Chapter prior
to filming.
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Calendar of events taking place at York Minster in 2012
Every Friday at 1.15pm [27 April until 2 June]: Lunchtime Organ Promenades
Entertaining, popular tunes, perfect for promenading in the Nave.
Normal Admission charges apply. No need to pre-book.
Saturdays in May through September
8 Wonders Tour [Every Saturday at 2pm]
Explore 8 Wonders from each of the 8 centuries, each with a story about the number 8.
Investigate how the number 8 has shaped York Minster through technology and design,
from 1212 to 2012. Hidden stories reveal how the number 8 has shaped York Minster’s
past, but is also shaping its future. From the world’s greatest treasures to the smallest
hidden curiosities. There is more to see than ever before. Led by one of our guides.
Tickets: Free, pre-book at boxoffice.yorkminster.org to avoid disappointment.
2 July – 15 November: Minster Curiosities: Stories from Around the World [Old Palace]
To celebrate the Olympics, take a tour of our wonderful objects from around the world.
See an ivory casket from Sicily that belonged to St William, robes made from Chinese
silk, and some of the earliest maps and atlases. Exhibitions at the Old Palace are a
wonderful opportunity to see some of the treasures of the Minster not normally on
display. The exhibition is held in the 13th-century chapel of the original Archbishop’s
Palace.
Open: Monday – Friday, 12pm – 4pm
Admission: Free with your York Minster admission ticket
Summer Holidays
Wondrous activities for families. New for families! Family explorer backpacks for
summer holiday active fun, and a range of hands-on activities for children!
Great British Summer Tower Tours
Celebrating the Royal Jubilee and our Great British Summers, visitors can enjoy an
exclusive, evening magical history tour to delight the senses. Experience a birds-eye
view of York from the Tower top – the highest point in York - with some British tasty
treats. Health & Safety restrictions apply.
Trip dates: Weekly from 19 July
Book at boxoffice.yorkminster.org
Every Saturday at 7pm [28 July until 15 September]: Summer Royal Recitals
Jubilee-themed organ concerts for 2012, featuring some of the country's top
performers.
The Best of British ... The Unthanks with Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band [17 August]
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Acclaimed Newcastle folk-band, The Unthanks perform with the multi-award winning
Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band in the stunning Nave of York Minster.
Autumn Launch: York Minster Revealed
New interactive galleries exploring the exquisitie craftsmanship and stories behind the
magnificent East End, including the walk-through, stained-glass Orb, and a once-in-alifetime opportunity to see, at close range, York Minster’s Great East Window, one of
the world’s most important works of art. The launch will be supported by a programme
of special events.
The Best of British ... Aled Jones [12 October]
This tour sees Aled visit the length and breadth of the country. Despite visiting many
Cathedrals regularly on Songs of Praise, this is going to be Aled’s first comprehensive
live UK Cathedral tour.
Christmas: The 40 Days of Christmas are York Minster’s busiest time of year, a time of
contemplation and wonder. Experience a season beyond the fairylights and glitter... From Advent to
Epiphany, from beautiful to breathtaking. Enjoy a packed programme of Services and Concerts, and
witness the Giant Advent Wreath – one of the largest in the country!
Advent Procession (2 December, 6.30pm)
A stunning event in York Minster’s calendar, marking the start of Advent in spectacular
style, and celebrating the Christian hope of light overcoming darkness.
Minster Choir’s Christmas Carol Concerts (7 & 14 December) – New for 2012! Two
dates!
Nine Lessons and Carol Service (22 December, 7pm & 24 December, 4pm)
Crib Service (24 December, 12pm)
Gathering together in the world’s largest unrehearsed nativity tableau.
Christmas Day
8am – Holy Communion (BCP)
10am – Eucharist of Christmas Morning
11.45am – Choral Matins
4pm – Choral Evensong, with Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on Christmas Carols,
featuring
the Minster Choir
Activities for Children
Download free family trails and join in children’s activities.
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Photo gallery
West End of York Minster
View to the Five Sisters Window
The Quire
View from the Central Tower
St William Window
Kings Screen
Chapter House Roof
Christmas Carol Concert at York Minster
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