York Minster is adorned with intricately carved grotesques, decorative stone figures that embellish the building’s exterior. As part of the conservation project to restore the South Quire Aisle, new grotesques have been commissioned, and our team of Stonemasons are hard at work bringing them to life.

The new carvings depict Anglo‑Saxon kings and queens: King Athelstan, Æthelflæd, Lady of the Mercians, and Saint Edmund. These hand-carved figures are a testament to the skill and dedication of our team of Stonemasons.

Take a closer look at each figure and discover more about the carving process!

Athelstan – Created by Richard Bossons

The first of the three grotesques to be commissioned depicts Athelstan, the first king of all England.

This detailed carving was created by our Experienced Stonemason, Richard. Of the three grotesques created as part of this project, this one is now complete. It will remain in the workshop and, once the scaffolding on the Minster has been adjusted, it will then be carefully lifted into place on to a pinnacle on the South Quire Aisle.

This grotesque was commissioned and funded by the King Athelstan Memorial Foundation.

Æthelflæd, Lady of the Mercians – Created by Rita Dawe

Accompanying Athelstan on this pinnacle will be his formidable aunt, Æthelflæd, Lady of the Mercians.

This grotesque is being created by Experienced Stonemason Rita, who is currently in the process of sculpting a clay model of this figure. Once complete, the clay model will be 3D scanned and printed. Rita will then use this printed model as a solid reference from which to carve the stone grotesque.

This process is just another example of how our heritage craftspeople are blending traditional skills passed down through generations with the latest in digital technologies and innovations.

Saint Edmund & the Wolf – Created by Harriet Pace

The third and final grotesque in the trio depicts Saint Edmund and the Wolf. Edmund, King of East Anglia, was killed by Viking raiders after refusing to renounce his faith. He was tied to a tree, whipped, shot with arrows, and later beheaded. His head was eventually found being guarded by a wolf.

Experienced Stonemason Harriet has completed her clay sculpture of this figure, and Luke, our Digital Surveyor, has 3D scanned it ready for printing. The next stage is to begin carving the detailed design in stone.

Discover more about our current conservation projects and get to know the teams behind the works.