York Minster
York Minster, formally the Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of Saint Peter in York, is the seat of the Archbishop of York and the mother church of the Diocese of York. One of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe, it dominates the historic city and traces its Christian roots back to the 7th century.
The present cathedral was built over some 250 years, from around 1220 to 1472, embracing Early English, Decorated and Perpendicular Gothic styles. It is celebrated above all for its extraordinary medieval stained glass, including the vast Great East Window, the largest expanse of medieval stained glass in the country, and the rose window commemorating the union of the houses of Lancaster and York.
Having survived fires, structural crises and centuries of change, the Minster remains a living place of worship and a centre of choral tradition. Its central tower offers commanding views over York, and its scale, sculpture and glass make it one of the great treasures of English Gothic architecture.
- Annual visitors
- ≈ 700,000
- Location
- 53.9619, -1.0819
- Local time
- 23:33 (Europe/London)
🕘 Visiting hours
| Mon–Sat | 09:30–16:30 |
| Sun | 12:45–15:00 |
Sunday visiting restricted around worship; approximate
✨ Saints & blessed venerated here
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Peter the Apostle Saint
Patron saint; the Minster is the Cathedral Church of St Peter
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Paulinus of York Saint
First Bishop of York who baptised King Edwin on the site in 627
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William of York Saint
12th-century Archbishop and saint; great St William window commemorates him
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Wilfrid Saint
7th-century Bishop of York venerated in the Minster's heritage
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John of Beverley Saint
Anglo-Saxon Bishop of York honoured among the Minster's saints
Care & donations
The Chapter of York
Admission charge for sightseeing; donations welcomed; free entry for worship
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