York Minster’s magnificent architecture with its medieval stained glass and handcrafted stonework tells the stories of the cathedral, the region and the Christian faith through the last eight centuries.

But travel underground, below the Minster’s floor, and you’ll discover a history dating back 2,000 years, to the Roman city of Eboracum, the Viking stronghold of Jorvik and a 9^th century northern centre of power.

Two archaeological excavations during the last 50 years have unearthed layers of history shedding new light, not just on the story of York Minster, but also on the story of the city of York.

1967-1972: Emergency Excavations

Just over 50 years ago, York Minster faced one of its greatest challenges in recent history.

Surveys of the cathedral’s 197ft Central Tower revealed the 16,000 ton structure was sinking under its own weight, due in part to poor foundations at its base, and was at risk of imminent collapse. Emergency works to underpin the tower allowed archaeologists rare access to carry out excavations.

The project uncovered evidence of Roman activity on the site of the Minster, in what was once known as the city of Eboracum, which was established in AD 71. Remains of the Roman barracks, which at different times housed both the ninth and sixth legions of the Roman Empire’s army, were discovered beneath the cathedral. A column from the barracks’ Principia – or headquarters –, unearthed during the excavations has been reconstructed and now stands on the South Piazza, outside the Minster’s South Transept.

Other finds included evidence of an Anglo-Saxon cemetery and the foundations of the Norman Minster – the forerunner of the present cathedral.

2012: York Minster Revealed

More recently, archaeologists had the chance to explore the hidden history of the site as part of work to construct the cathedral’s state-of-the-art Undercroft Museum.

Findings included a rare silver coin called a sceatta. Its pristine condition allowed experts from the British Museum to date it to the beginning of the 9th century, which provides evidence of a major settlement – complete with its own mint – near the site of the Minster during the Anglo-Saxon period.

Other findings included evidence of a mid-11th century burial – the later era of Viking York. Archaeologists unearthed a cist burial – a type of grave – which was partly destroyed during work to build the medieval Minster in 1220. Archaeologists already knew there was a cemetery on the site, but the finding has helped extend knowledge of the types of burial which took place here, and also the area the cemetery occupied, supporting evidence that the site was used as a burial ground for generations by both Anglo-Saxon and Viking residents.

Archaeological discoveries from both excavations can be seen in the cathedral’s Undercroft Museum, entry to which is included with your sightseeing ticket.