Known to locals as 'The Minster', its full title is 'Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of St Peter in York'. Its location has always been at the heart of the city. When a Roman fortress was built almost 2000 years ago, its headquarters building was at the site where the Minster now is, and its remains can be seen below the Minster.
The first church was built on the site in 627AD. This current church was built in the gothic style, with construction starting in 1220AD and taking just over 250 years to complete. It was designed to become the greatest cathedral in Britain, and the result is certainly one of the greatest.
It can be seen from many parts of the city, towering over the rooftops. It is also a landmark when approaching the city.
This viewpoint has only recently become available to the public. It is taken from the grounds of the former Minster Song School, which closed in mid 2020. The old stone building has been converted into the Minster Refectory, and the grounds are open to the public, giving me chance to enjoy this new view. Now all that is needed is for the scaffolding to be removed. That is in place to allow the restoration of the stained glass, so it will take a long time for that to happen.
But remember the Minster will fall down if all the scaffolding is removed! (Or so says local legend…) It’s an impressive view point. A shame the school had to close but now everyone can benefit.
Aha, I was wondering how you managed to get this vantage point until I read all the way through your narrative. You must retake and show us when they’ve finished the work. A great fresh view of this impressive cathedral.
Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.
The current scaffolding is part of a twenty year project to restore and protect the Medieval stained glass. There is always work taking place on some part of the fabric of the Minster. As Jesika ( @jesika2 ) says in her comment, there is a local legend which says that if all the scaffolding is removed, the Minster will fall down.
Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.
The current scaffolding is part of a twenty year project to restore and protect the Medieval stained glass. There is always work taking place on some part of the fabric of the Minster. As Jesika ( @jesika2 ) says in her comment, there is a local legend which says that if all the scaffolding is removed, the Minster will fall down.
Ian
Thank you Vesna - it was nice to find a new viewpoint to take this shot.
Ian