Walk inside York Minster and feel the grace. This vast cathedral with its awe-inspiring architecture just takes your breath away. But the treasures of the Minster, while not immediately obvious, are just as inspiring. The cathedral’s museum has a huge collection of objects, such as silver, stone and stained glass. And then there are the furnishings, the textiles and monuments. Many of these pieces are unique.
Textiles Collection
Examples of these are banners, carpets and vestments. Much of the textiles collection is still in use.
The story begins in 1837, when the Emperor of China gave the gift of some fabric to Queen Victoria.
The material was made into hangings for the Queen’s bedchamber, but mysteriously vanished in the 1860s. After being included in a public auction, the owner agreed to the fabric’s return to the Palace, having being allowed to retain a small part. That part of the fabric later came into Queen Mary’s possession, and in 1946 was on display at the Royal College of Needlework.
Dean Milner-White talks to Queen Mary
Seeing this material, Dean Milner-White of York Minster asked Queen Mary if he might have it for the Minster. The Queen agreed, on condition that he gave a charitable donation. The pieces he acquired were made into veils and burses (flat cloth cases). He also however, wished to make a matching chasuble (sleeveless ecclesiastical garment) and stole. With a little help, he found some surprisingly similar fabric, which Liberty’s had just acquired from China.
Friends of York Minster Banners
Banners are still important in the church, and in 1995, the Friends of York Minster commissioned some banners as a gift to the Dean and Chapter. These were completed in 1998. The banners are beautifully done and represent Creation, Redemption and the Sustaining Power of the Holy Spirit.
Historic Furnishings Collection
There are some lovely examples of these. See, for example, the painted wooden panels that came from the Chapter House ceiling. These probably date from the late 13th century and were removed in the 18th century when the ceiling began to rot. The panels show King (later Saint) Edmund and ‘Blind Synagogia’, the latter meant to represent the state of religion before the revelation of Christ.
Astronomical Clock
Also of interest is the astronomical clock, which is a memorial to men of the RAF and allied air forces who died during World War II, in operations from bases in Yorkshire and the North East. It was dedicated on All Saints Day, 1955.
Archaeology Collection
Survey work in the 1960s found that the central tower, east wall and western towers of the Minster were moving, resulting in huge cracks. Work began on securing the central tower foundations in 1967. Much of the archaeological treasure found comes from those years (1967-72) and the work undertaken created a space for the museum.
One of the finds was a Roman mural, which had previously decorated an officer’s room.
Tile with the Sign of the Chi Rho
Another find was a tile, with the sign of the Chi Rho scratched into it, using Greek letters resembling an X and P. This early symbol of Christianity suggests that there was some Christian activity or belief in York in the Roman period.
Supporting this premise are written sources which state that a bishop from York attended the Council of Arles in AD 314. He was only one of three British bishops attending the Council.
Monuments Collection
These include the statue of Constantine the Great, which sits near the Minster's south entrance. Constantine was proclaimed Roman Emperor in York in 306. They also include the tomb of St William of York.
Tomb of St William of York
William FitzHerbert was Archbishop of York, but he had a rocky period of rule, being deposed in 1147 then restored in 1153, following the deaths of some of his opposers. William’s triumph was short lived as he died soon after, in 1154. Archdeacon Osbert was strongly suspected of poisoning him, but no definite judgement on this appears to have been made. Some time later Osbert was relieved of his archdeaconry, ending up in rural Yorkshire.
St William is Canonized
Miraculous healings were associated with St William’s tomb and in 1227 he was canonized. His unstable position continued after death with his remains being moved several times over the centuries. When his tomb was opened during the 1967-72 excavations, a baby’s body was also found. Suggestions as to the child’s identity include a stonemason’s unbaptised child or Prince William of Hatfield.
St William now rests in a tomb in the crypt but the whereabouts of the baby is unclear.
York Minster's Future
This article has touched on just a few of the many treasures waiting to be seen in the Minster. These are exciting times for the Yorkshire cathedral, already heavily involved in the York Minster Revealed project, which supports training in specialised skills and promotes awareness of the Minster’s place within two thousand years of history.
As Vicky Harrison, York Minster’s collections manager, says, "We hold nearly 2000 years’ worth of objects, and we might have another 2000 years ahead of us. We’re at a point on a continuum, the story isn’t finished yet. And we’re all a part of it."
Sources
- Allen, J. R. C. York Minster Handbook, York: Friends of York Minster,1983
- Ingram, Elizabeth, ed. Thread of Gold: the embroideries and textiles in York Minster, 2nd ed. York: Friends of York Minster, [2007]. CD
- Interview with (and presentation material from) Vicky Harrison, collections manager, York Minster, September 1 2011
Further Information
York’s churches represent over 1000 years of art, architecture and history. Apart from the Minster, there are numerous other churches to visit and learn from.
Ellie Stevenson - Ellie writes on history, travel, careers & the arts. Her novel, Ship of Haunts (http://tinyurl.com/cyryp2m) is on Amazon as an ebook.
