York Minster Art and Gifts
Emily Ward Art now provides York Minster art and gifts in two unique designs.
Brief History of York Minster
York Minster stands as one of the most spectacular cathedrals worldwide.
Since the 7th century, it has served as a focal point of Christianity in the northern regions of England and today continues to flourish as a church deeply connected to the daily rhythm of worship and prayer.
Erected in praise of God, every detail of this ancient structure - from the meticulously crafted stonework to the unparalleled collection of medieval stained glass - narrates the life of Jesus Christ.
York Minster’s Great East Window is the largest expanse of medieval stained glass in the country, a masterpiece in glass and stone depicting the beginning and end of all things.
Interesting historical facts about York Minster over the centuries.
1. It was the sight of a significant Roman basilica.
Just outside the main entrance of the Minster stands a statue of Emperor Constantine, who was declared Emperor of the Western Roman Empire by his soldiers in York (known as Eboracum at the time) on 25 July 306 AD. Eboracum had served as a significant Roman stronghold in Britain since around 70 AD. Notably, between 208 and 211, Septimus Severus governed the Roman Empire from York, where he also passed away on 4 February 211.
2. The Minster's name dates back to Anglo-Saxon times.
York Minster is formally known as the ‘Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of St Peter in York’. While it functions as a cathedral, housing a bishop’s throne, the term ‘cathedral’ was not coined until after the Norman Conquest. The Anglo-Saxons referred to their significant churches as ‘minsters’.
3. The Minster was struck by a lightning bolt.
On a scorching summer night of 9 July 1984, a thunderous lightning bolt hit the York Minster, setting ablaze its roof until it collapsed by 4 am the next morning. The intense heat from the flames fractured the 7,000 glass pieces of the Rose Window in the South Transept in approximately 40,000 places, yet astonishingly, the window remained intact. This resilience was largely attributed to the meticulous restoration and re-leading efforts carried out twelve years prior.
Emily's two stunning representations of York Minster can be found across he full array of Artwork and Gift products, from Canvases and Framed Prints to Tiles on Easels and China Cups.
