The Minster has undergone changes from the original Norman structure to the present with each addition outdoing the last. But change has also resulted from disasters including a tower collapsing under its own weight and three destructive fires. Turns out the granite-coloured ceilings are painted wood and fire is a real danger. The first was arson (the parishioner didn't like the organ music), the second an accident (a tradesman left a candle burning), and the third lightning (two days after the announcement that women were allowed to be bishops).
In the present, restoration is now a constant and highly technical process. Millions of dollars are being spent to renew the granite structure and repair and strengthen the precious medieval stained glass.
Our first guide was a retired scientist and self-described atheist who is passionate about the building and its history. Her passion was infectious.
We attended the last Evensong with the choirboys until the fall and we fell in love with a couple of the youngest (about 8?) who sang their hearts out with capital O shaped mouths hitting high C and leaving haunting echoes as the anthem stopped. One boy looked completely bored until the music started, then angelic and focused.
We left the church to find a raging thunderstorm was occurring. The 2 hour walking tour didn't happen and we were forced to sit and drink coffee and watch the world go by. Oh what a hardship!!
 |
| York Minster in the rain (Bill is the tiny figure at the bottom) |
 |
| The organ leading into the Quire. All the wood is Victorian, replaced after the second fire. |
 |
| Five sisters window - the grey is partly due to age and dirt but also due to the style - more abstract) |
 |
| Close up of Five Sisters Window. The dark grey is centuries of grime. It is exquisite in its own way. |
Oh, my, words fail me...and you know that doesn't happen often!!
ReplyDeleteI still gasp every time I come around the corner and see it.
ReplyDelete