I always imagine back in medieval times, walking along the narrow alleys that lead to the Minster, the awe they must have felt on seeing the building must have been breathtaking. No wonder the church was so powerful.
@@RushfanUK He probably refers to the Catholic church's behaviour of selling indulgences to raise money, i.e brainwashing people into believing they are unclean, immoral, evil, born that way if nothing else, destined for an eternity of torture, and then claiming to have the authority to wash it all away in exchange for a donation. It's a kind of psychological protection racket, but it's what has made the Catholic church one of the wealthiest organisations in human history. York Minster is beautiful no doubt, but yes, to those not under the spell of religion, or Catholicism specifically, it does serve as a reminder of the kind of gaslighting exploitation that has gone on for centuries. I think Hand Solo refers to something like that.
*THIS IS WHY* the £12 Billion it is going to cost to renovate the Houses Of Parliament is NOT a waste of money...!!! It will pay the mortgages of thousands of craftsmen, it will train the next generation through hundreds of apprenticeships, it will ensure the skills continue to exist for another 50 years.
@Nicky L The Minster as we know it was built in 1080 previous minsters and Churches were there from 635 .. but this one is actually younger than the Houses of Parliament as it was built in 1016 … 👍🇬🇧
@@Ionabrodie69 . It was built in the mid 19th century, (Architects were Sir Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin) as the original building was destroyed by fire in 1834 . Only Westminster Hall dates from the 11th century, the rest is Victorian.
Honestly, it makes me feel so happy that an American Mid-Western couple, like yourselves can really appreciate the level of craftsmanship and history involved in a building like this!!!
Ahh I'm so glad you made it to the Minster I used to work there! In the undercroft museum bit there's some really cool small artefacts like a box that contained the heart of a crusader from the 1100's, a small wooden crucifix from the last Russian Tzar who was assassinated and a wooden rosarie from Anthony Babington who was executed by Elizabeth 1 for plotting to get Mary queen of scots on the throne.
I work in stained glass restoration. My colleague used to work at the Minster, it’s amazing the amount of work they put into preserving the glass. The reason they need to protect against uv is sunlight can change the colour of certain glass depending on what it is made from, some clear glass can turn pink or go ‘muddy’ over time. I’ve only been in this job a year and I’ve learnt so much! Glad you guys enjoyed exploring ☺️
I have loved your videos during your travels in the uk, you have paid the utmost respect to our history, which you seem to have really enjoyed. Well done. I live in Leicester, in the Midlands, which is also a Roman city, it was called Ratae which was a Celtic word, Roman Leicester was one of the first cities built by the Romans, we are very proud of our Roman history. So glad you guys enjoyed your trip. 🇬🇧👏🏻🙂
True story. When I lived in York I was waiting for a friend in front of the minster & was approached by an American tourist. She said "Excuse me honey. . . Where's the big church?" I just, very pointedly, looked behind me & then back at her. Also, once I went in to visit the crypt & it was very quiet & late in the day. The next thing the organ started up. There was a full on Latin mass taking place. Its terrifying when you're alone.
When we lived in York archaeologists dug up out back garden to find a Roman road… which they did. There's Roman stuff all over York. Eberacum (Roman name) was the military HQ in Roman Britain. It's a nightmare building anything in the city. Our neighbour at the time was a stone mason at the Minster. A little surprised you didn't mention Constantine who was made emperor in York. Then went on the Christianise the empire, after a little dalliance with sun worship of course.
York was the major Roman military camp for the North not the whole of Britain. Colchester was the main military/administrative settlement and Roman capital in Britain before they built up and moved the capital to London.
@@stoneagepig3768 York was one of four legionary fortesses, the others being Chester, Lincoln and Caerleon. York was the base for the IX, and later the VI legion.
Another very enjoyable video from your UK trip, thank you. It's many decades since I last visited York Minster, but in general, the majority of our cathedrals date back to at least the 15th century with many of them containing elements dating back to the 10th or 11th centuries. It seems weird that after all the impressive structures built and left by the Romans, we then spent multiple centuries unable to build with stone - which is why we have so little that pre-dates the late 900s!! It's also worth you reading up on Henry 8th and his decimation of religious building and artefacts during the English Reformation (1532 onwards) as this changed the fabric of churches and cathedrals throughout England & Wales. My absolute favourite cathedral is in Ely, Cambridgeshire (2nd smallest City in the UK). When the cathedral was initially built (1100s), Ely was an island largely occupied by monks - after draining the Fens (c400 years ago) the City evolved and is still surrounded by some of the most fertile arable land in the UK. It also has a gorgeous organ!! I share your fascination with all the details and frustrations when you can't see them clearly - may I suggest you buy the Guide books that are always available for sale? I strongly recommend you get on the Minster's website and order yourself a copy, aswell as any other sites you wanted to learn more about. thanks again!
Dear Both, really enjoyed your reflections on your visit to York Minster. When you filmed the choir stalls, pulpit and alter, it reminded me of my wife and myself sitting in at the back of choir stalls for the Sunday Morning Service in September 1973 during our honeymoon. Being a widower, having lost Sue to a 2 year battle with cancer in 2014, it ignited a special memory for me. Thank you. ps I heard somewhere that the minster runs stonemason apprenticeship training courses as part of their restoration program.
9:03 The statue of Constantine the Great, the first Roman Emperor to convert to Christianty. He was in York (Eboracum) when he became Emperor in 306. The whole city reeks with history. The Romans, later the Vikings (Yorvik Museum is a must) and then the battles of Fulford and Stamford Bridge in 1066, just outside the city. Guy Fawkes, who tried to blow up Parliament in 1605, was born in York.
It's the largest gothic cathedral in Northern Europe. Its probably not the tallest or most spectacular from the outside but inside you can really feel the scale of the place. Very impressive.
Only the richest and most important people were buried inside churches. So much of our beautiful mediaeval architecture: abbeys, monasteries, stained glass, decorative ceilings, murals, panels, statuary, gold/silver items, and much much more, was destroyed or stolen during the reformation. I don’t have any sympathy for the destruction of the mediaeval catholic hierarchy, which was corrupt, self-serving, and oppressed millions of ordinary people, but the loss of our heritage is devastating. No other country in Europe had such a wealth of monastic and religious mediaeval architecture, but most of it is now gone. We paid a high price to separate from Rome, but it wasn’t the separation that caused the damage. It was the greed and Protestant religious zealotry that accompanied it, thanks mainly to Henry VIII and his son, Edward VI, and it happened over such a short time of unthinking vandalism. So yes, I do believe what little we have that remains is worth preserving.
A brilliant vlog, well narrated and very informative. Footage and commentary delivered at just the right pace👍. You are both developing quite a documentary style of delivery, well done and thank you for spending time to produce an excellent vlog. 👍🙏🤗
I lived in York for nearly twenty years. To be honest, York is amazing, but mainly in the winter and around Christmas. The Minster does the nine lessons carol service on Christmas Eve (and now on earlier dates). We turned up omce and were told it was too busy, and then they let some people (including us), into the choir seats. Couldn't see what was happening, but the experience was amazing. Then a walk home along The Shambles when we were the only people on the entire street.
So glad to see this appreciation of the Minster on your Channel. Even an atheist like me has to be in awe of this wonderful building. The Archbishop of York is second only to the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Monarch in terms of the hierarchy of the Church of England. Until his recent retirement, that post was held by John Sentamu, a Ugandan exile from the hideous regime of Idi Amin
Work began on the current Minster in 1220 and took 262 years to complete. It replaced an earlier Norman Church on the site. Before that there was an Anglo Saxon period church there. And before that a Roman Church. A visiting Roman Emperor died whilst visiting the city. His son Constantine, who was also here was declared Emperor from the city. Constantine was the first Christian Emperor and so the city got its first Bishop in 314. What attracted the Romans to build a fort here was their wish to dominate the main spiritual centre of the North of England. In the Iron Age people were interested in the cycle of life and death. Yew Trees grow here. The Yew is evergreen and seems to live forever, typically 2-3 thousand years. (There is a 5000 year old Yew in Wales). They did not worship the trees, but believed that the ground capable of growing a tree that lives forever, must be somehow magical. Today there are some younger Yews in York. We see the same pattern all over the country, with Christian buildings constructed on ancient pagan sites.
My favorite example of a church built over a pagan site is at Silchester Roman Town. The town itself was abandoned and used for grazing for centuries -- but 800 years after the Romans left Britain, the locals built a church over the town's temple district.
I'm in construction and our surveyor was a stone mason on Liverpool Cathedral (largest cathedral in Britain) from when he left school and throughout his early working life. It took 74 years to build and was only completed in 1978. He said that the stone was delivered to site in massive blocks and all call cut and hand carved on-site.
@@SimSim-zf9if 😂Although undoubtedly funny, Liverpool actually has a lower crime rate that London, Bradford, Nottingham, Birmingham, Coventry, Manchester.
@@IanDarley - Did @Sim Sim take his comment down (?), because I cannot relate your reply to anything that makes sense. It would be great if you mention @Sim Sim had said 'whatever' ? Just a quick paraphrase would suffice, please.
@@IanDarley Thanks for the reply... Now I 'get it !' - Much appreciated (and I also learnt that the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral was the largest in Britain !).
Been watching your vlogs on everything British for quite a while now. It's culminated in your arrival to these shores. Wow! What a lovely and level-headed couple you are! I like to Gauge American viewpoints about the UK, everything from History, food, Monarchy and culture, etc. You're the best when it comes to Vlogs. Unlike one of your American counterparts (whom I followed till recently) who sadly, resorted to semi nude clickbait vids which left me mortified and angry. Your vlogs are exactly as they should be. Clean, entertaining, thought-provoking and friendly. Thanks for your positive and honest vibes of the UK.
The part where you can see the rose window is the side of the Minster that burned down in the early eighties, the roof was completely destroyed but they managed to save the window. I went there in the nineties and the work of restoring it was amazing you would never of known it just looks cleaner, plus they did put a few modern bosses up on the ceiling ( the faces and foliage carvings on the crossbeams) beautiful place always worth a visit if you can.
My grandfather who i never met because he was killed in world war 2 in one of the last assaults on Italy in 1944 was part of as yorkshire Regiment and you can see thre commemorative book with his name which is stored in the minster . visted from brighton a few years back and got a nice pic of the commemoration at their request and gave it to my dad . despite not living near there anymore have a huge connection .
If you loved Yorkminster so much (which I completely understand 💗) then you have to go back to Edinburgh and visit Rosslyn Chapel 💒 hello from Denmark 🌸🌱
Found this interesting to watch. I live in York and sometimes forget that there is so much history here. I've been in the Minster several times and always see something new. I've been up on the top and the views are something else! Just need to be super careful climbing the spiral staircases up and down. As you'd expect, they're very worn and uneven - and there's a lot of them too!
I was very impressed with this post, it's excellent. If you ever get back to York I suggest you also visit the Jovik Centre. About 50 years ago they were excavating for a shopping centre and found an old viking settlement. As the British do they stopped the work and renovated it so its now an attraction. It may not be as impressive as the minster but it is impressive and worth a visit.
Definitely second that, it's great for getting an insight into the Viking period of York's history which did so much to shape its character. I visited it not long after it opened and it wowed me as a child. It was still impressive when I revisited a couple of years ago.
Thank you for that interesting post! I think we often learn more from our overseas visitors as we are so used to these buildings, and just accept them. I learned things from you, and also to maybe appreciate a little more the incredible history of this country.
You filming ability really showed us the beauty of this amazing building. I also remember a fire at York Minster in 1984 when it was struck by a lightening bolt. There was considerable damage that time as well which took time to repair.
@@ruthfoley2580 I do. It was to design some of those bosses(?) the embossed circular things on the white and golden ceiling by the Rose Window. (For Americans Blue Peter is one of our flagship kids shows.)
You two have the traditional tourist attitude. Not just a this is another church and look at the pretty windows as you walk along, you’re giving out the I’m really interested in all that I’m looking at. I’m really impressed. There is so much in the ancient world that is still to be uncovered. That’s including the whole of Europe, they’re finding things hidden all the time. I think the last big find in the UK was the resting place of Edward or Henry the something in the excavation for a car park. It was a very big issue I think, that was a few years ago now but you can imagine the developer slapping his head and saying “not another undiscovered kings burial ground could they have marked it on a map or something” the grave had been hinted at but nothing written down. The place had been built on previously without finding it. Your tripping over things in the UK. about ten years ago a couple of metal detector blokes were mooching around a farmers field who they’d previously asked permission off of and found the biggest cache of personal treasure of a high Viking ever found, it was in a medium sized pot, dated around 71 AD because of the Roman invasion. Bang goes another “treasure trove”.
My city Peterborough has the fourth oldest cathedral in the uk! Nearly a 1000 years old and would have dominated the surrounding landscape for many miles, as we are on the edge of the fens. The fens are or were marshes that were drained all the way east to the wash estuary . It is all below sea level to but its the most fertile land in the uk to
It’s never called the quire ‘room’. Never use the word ‘room’…everyone knows what ‘the quire’ is! And ‘choir’ refers to those who sing, the people, not the space.
I loved it when you said the wooden finials had “a gothic feel”😀 The entire building is a testimony to Gothic architecture 😀 For anyone aware of gothic style development it provides a really good guide from Norman style (Crypt) with those big blocky columns & U shaped arches, through The development of lancet windows & the trefoils into full blown tracery of the large windows. Reflecting the changing styles over the many years it took to construct. It’s a great building (although Lincoln Cathedral is still my personal favourite). However if you REALLY want to blown away by a building….Hagia Sofia in Istanbul is….AMAZING & all built centuries before York.
@@Ionabrodie69 Also a great building…all down to personal preference…& memories of course….I remember my first visit as a child & the sun streaming through the stained glass…like walking through a rainbow.
The stone for York Minster came from quarries In nearby Tadcaster, taken by boat down the River Wharfe and back up the River Ouse. The quarries are still worked today, although Tadcaster's chief claim to fame these days is in having 3 major breweries. The breweries just edge it, in importance to the wellbeing of the UK, over the quarry.
I find it interesting in York that they have painted quite a few of the sculptures. It gives a sense of how bright and gaudy the cathedral would have been, where we’re used to something more austere these days. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Whenever I go in the cathedral local to me I see something new, but I can’t see it with the completely fresh eyes you have.
I'm so glad that you two actually went inside York Minster - it is a magnificant place. I've only visited a couple of times, but never went down to the Crypt - so thank you for that. You mentioned pipe organs and 'mosaics'. If you 'google it' there are very many fine examples of both in your great country - although (for obvious reasons) their histories' can't go back that far! The National Shrine in Washington DC (in this context relatively new) has really impressive artwork/mosaics - and a fine pipe organ (though less aesthetically pleasing)! Thank you both for your great content - and for keeping any form of 'politics'/'political opinion' out of your uploads! Best wishes to you and your family! Tony, UK .
Having been on the top of York Minster, I can say it is a fantastic view, also an interesting climb, up some very tight stairways and a walk on the side of the roof
It wasn't just the 1800s when York Minster caught fire as recently as 1984, the south transept caught fire causing the glass in the rose window to crack (the lead in the window held so they were able to restore it)
Two nights before it hosted the consecration of David Jenkins as the new Bishop of Durharm. He caused a fuss inside the Church by questioning the literal truth of the virgin birth or miracles such as Jesus walking on water. Claiming the message was more important then the medium. 2 nights later it was struck by a bolt of lightning starting the fire that destroyed the roof.
@gofufu1 Interesting! I only remember getting a Blue Peter sticker as there was definitely a milk bottle top appeal and a few "bring and buys" in aid of
@@victoriaedwards1220 - Not quite. There was no Blue Peter appeal to aid the restoration, BP appeals were always for much ‘larger causes’, alternating each year between U.K and overseas good causes. I will check tomorrow what the appeal was for that particular year. There was however a much-publicised BP competition to design one of the decorative ceiling bosses, which is what you are recalling. Possibly sad to admit but I’m a BP historian.
Last time that I was in the Minster (Some years ago) you could see the Roman sewers under the crypt, still carrying water as they have for 2,000 years!
Definitely one of the most beautiful buildings in England, and that's against some really tough opposition..............................the ancient Englishman.
the first time I visited York Minster it was late afternoon and as I was wandering around admiring everything the most beautiful choral singing started in another part of the building. It was so amazing and it was getting closer so I went to investigate and it was the choir doing evening song (I can't remember the exact name). As they walked slowly along the cathedral singing all the way it echoed all around the building, it was so beautiful, I've never forgotten it!
Goodness....this is the earliest I have stumbled on a new video from one of my favourite channels 😍 Thank you so much for taking us on this detailed tour of the Minster (I admit I have not yet visited York, but hope to). There is so much to look at here, such detail that could easily be missed and it is thanks to you two and your particular ATTENTION to detail that we get to appreciate it all too - and to learn a quite a bit in the process 👩🎓 So, thanks.... x
The minster is an amazing building. There is a book called haunted york that is quite interesting, historical and a bit of fun. You should look for a copy while you're in town.
Awesome video as usual guys. What I love about your videos is that you actually go and do things wherever you visit and you get fully immersed in the location. I've been watching a few videos recently from other American travellers visiting the UK and although they are still interesting (as its always intriguing to find out what foreigners make of your own country) they mostly seem to pend their time walking around everywhere and viewing things from a distance. I hope you make a return visit to the UK in the next few years. We're only a tiny island but there's still stacks more stuff for you to explore 🙂
Fantastic commentary. Informed, relaxed working it between you with such appreciation for everything you saw. You made it so interesting and easy to walk with you during your visit. A really great Vlog. Thank you. As Americans you are so welcome. As a nation we owe America so much through two World Wars to this day.
Great video - shame you didn't make it to the walk on the roof. I remember gong with my family as a kid walking along the narrow path that goes along the roof with spectacular views of the city (and a little scary up there too!!). Westminister Abbey is similar but with less of the amazing gothic carvings but seeing the tombs of the old Kings and Queens and other historical figures fascinates me.
Mindblowing! Beyond impressive to think something so astounding was built so long ago. The planning and craftsmanship is too much for my small brain to fathom.
@@midwestamericans3806 I live in England and have never been to York but everyone I know who has been tells me its well worth it. They also have the worlds biggest Viking festival every year. I come from London but have lived in the Cumbrian Lake District which I hope you get to visit if you make a return visit. I binge watched all your UK travel vids yesterday and really enjoyed them. Glad you had a good time here. I would have travelled up to Scotland 1st and finished off in London. London is a bit too hectic when you're jet lagged and tired and grouchy. The Scottish highlands would have chilled you out like you wouldn't believe. It's so beautiful.
another amazing fact is the York Minster have there own police force - called the York Minster Police which started in 1275 - The Liberty of St Peter and Peter Prison was formed in 1106,[2] and appointed its own officers (including constables) quite separately from the rest of the city of York.[3][4] Following the Minster fire in 1829, the Chapter of the cathedral ordered that "'Henceforward a watchman/constable shall be employed to keep watch every night in and about the cathedral", and bemoaned the lack of one previously. The Liberty was abolished in 1839, as a result of which any constables appointed for the Liberty would have been transferred to the new municipal borough of the city of York, and as the liberty ceased to exist it could no longer appoint constables. It is then that the first record is available of the employment of Thomas Marshall as a watchman, which lasted until 1854 at the salary of forty-one pounds and twelve shillings per year. The title of "Minster Police" was first recorded in 1855, when William Gladin replaced Marshall.[3] Gladin lived at 2 Precentor's Court, adjacent to the Minster.[5] In February 2017 it was reported that the Minster Police would be "given back powers of arrest after 80 years" by ITV News.[8] A former territorial experienced police officer was brought in to update the constables on their power and training and the Minster Police "can deal with situations appropriately at the right level". A ceremony was reported to take place in the Spring to mark this change. There are now eight officers, and one Inspector, of the Minster Police. In addition to their policing role, the officers are the custodians of over 380 sets of keys, provide information and directions to tourists, oversee fire safety, and security for the movement of cash around the Minster.[6] The local territorial police force, North Yorkshire Police retains primacy of policing throughout the county including York Minster, being responsible for the investigation of all crime and leading on all major or serious incidents.[7] (google York Minster Police there is a very good Wikipedia article about them the above paragraphs are the highlights from the article)
I remember as a child watching the news and seeing the headline that York Minster was on fire in the 1980's. I think it was possibly a lightning strike? I'm sure you can find videos of it here on youtube. There was a lot of fundraising for the restoration, and a children's show called Blue Peter helped raise funds, and one of the ceiling bosses you saw inside was actually designed for that show as a thank you.
I love York and have visited it many times. The Minster is beautiful but it is one of many minsters and cathedrals to be found in the UK. Most of which are HUGE.
There are some wonderful cathedrals in Britain; you are really are spoilt for choice here. Personal favourites include Canterbury, Exeter, Ely, Peterborough, Lincoln, Chichester, St Magnus (Kirkwall), Hereford, Wells, Durham, St Davids and Salisbury. I have never actually been to York Minster, though. After seeing this, I'll add it to my 'places to visit' list. I think the nearby world class York National Railway Museum distracted me in the past!
Thank you so much Ethan and Angela for this fascinating video. So many amazing things to look at and masses of information. Wonderful. Although I'm English, I have never been as far north as York and am highly unlikely to (as I'm old and wobbly) so videos such as yours are real treasures.
Westminter Abby has kings and Queens buried under it aswell as Charles Darwin, Sir Isaac Newton, David Livingstone, Laurence Olivier and Charles Dickens amongst others.
Thank you so much. I live near York bit have never been to the Minster... Really Great Video. 🙂 PS. Pop over to Beverley next time you are in the area. Lovely town...
I live in York. What I find extraordinary is that the Minster took 250 years to build. What is amazing is the number of stonemasons that must have worked on its construction but never saw it finished. Probably many fathers who passed their skills onto their sons, who continued their work, and passed their skills onto their sons. And yes the view from the top is well worth the climb.
My son and future wife went to uni in York. Beautiful city. Next time visit the Yorvik Viking Centre in Copper gate. The chocolate factory, the fudge kitchen, York Museum, the Railway museum. A lot more to see.
Next time you're in UK try visiting Durham Cathedral ( nearly 200 years older than York minster)arriving by train gives a view that is breath taking .While the city is much smaller than York the surrounding area is just as rewarding. As Bill Bryson wrote in his bestselling book, Notes from a Small Island (1995). In it he described Durham as “wonderful - a perfect little city” and home to “the best cathedral on planet earth”
It's nice that you appreciate the historical buildings in England. If you have any English ancestors then these buildings are an important part of your history too. For all Americans, I think they are part of the cultural history of your country. Enjoy!
I once had a very dour friend who came from York. He recalled once walking in front of the York Minster and overhearing an enthusiastic American tourist exclaim to her husband ‘Oh, George, isn’t that just the cutest little church you ever did see!’. And no, I’m not making this up. Maybe my friend was-you never can tell with a Yorkshireman.
I must admit the buildings in York are impressive. Sadly my own home town, Cardiff, is now a by word for hideous modern development. The lovely victorian buildings started to be replaced from the 1960s onward, and the recent additions to the city I can only describe as post Soviet architecture with plastic cladding.
After the 1984 fire a lit of the roof was damaged. The faces you saw in the ceiling are on roof bosses, the ornamental pieces at the joints of the ribs of the ceiling. There was a competition on Blue Peter, a long running children's TV programme, to design replacement bosses for the ones which burnt. And you can see them. In some places they have mirrors so you don't have to crane your neck.
You can have tea, sandwiches and cake in the crypt at St. Paul’s. Not many people go there but it’s great on a hot summer’s day as it’s very cool. Not least because your eating your refreshments by the memorials.
The best minster is Beverley minster, it is larger than most cathedrals in the UK. It is dedicated to John of York, who later became saint John of Beverley. Like York it is classic gothic arctecture, but larger, and much more impressive.
Not sure you realised it but when you mentioned the Pulpit you were filming the Lectern which is traditionally in the shape of an Eagle, the symbol of St. John the Evangelist. You did show the pulpit which is ornately carved and has steps up to a reading platform and rest for the sermon. Just a minor point but thought you might like to know. Fantastic video though. Thanks.
@@midwestamericans3806 My pleasure....Im not religious at all but I grew up admiring old churches and Cathedrals and reading up on their symbology and meaning which is a subject in itself.
Ah yes, the Stonemasons Yard. We asked them, and were allowed in to watch several of these amazing workmen, continuing the repairs and replacements for over 1,000 years! And in the same area behind the Minster! By the way, when speaking of it, the Minster is never called ‘the York Minster’. Just York Minster - no ‘the’ in front of it - unless you say ‘The Minster’. That’s the same with all Cathedrals - always only it’s name - ‘Salisbury Cathedral’, ‘Bath Abbey’, ‘Wells Cathedral’, ‘Westminster Abbey’ - all without ‘the’ in front. I hope you eventually see all these! Wells is the most impressive from the outside…..but for history, it has to be Westminster Abbey!
Ive been lucky to meet the former Lord Arch Bishop john sentamu a few times, the first time i was doing a firework display for the charity he was patron off at his offical resistance Bishopthorpe Palace
Fun fact - York Minster will still seek money from locals in case of emergency repairs. If you live within certain postcodes in York, you have to take out insurance in case something bad happens to the Minster.
