Into the Quire: Building an Accessible Minster

“For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us.” – Ephesians 2.14

The creation of the new ramp is made possible through the generosity of the principal donor, the Friends of York Minster, as well as the Mark Benevolent Fund and Benefact Trust.

18 February 2026

With the noisiest and most challenging aspects of the building work complete, the team have made headway on the most exciting part of the project.

The large flagstones have been lifted out of place and work can now begin over the waffle floor – the lightweight flooring that was installed during the late 1960s and early 1970s as part of the large restoration project to save the Central Tower from imminent collapse. The first stone blocks of the new Quire ramp have been laid and the team are in the process of fitting the new railings to the foundations of the waffle floor.

We are working hard to minimise disruption to our daily operations as a living church and a visitor attraction. York Minster remains open for services and sightseeing, with no areas of the building closed off to the public. The integration of technologies, including the use of digital designs and stone-machining, has been essential to keeping this project on track and reducing disruption for all who enjoy this building.

11 February 2026

Since announcing our Quire Ramp Project in January, we’ve heard a wide range of questions about the motivations behind a project of this scale, particularly “why now?”

To address these important conversations, we spoke with Canon Tim, who shed light on the historic, cultural and societal reasons why this new ramp is not only significant, but essential. From ensuring equitable access, to honouring heritage craftsmanship, to harnessing innovative technologies, this project represents a shift in how we care for, and open up, one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals.

5 February 2026

It’s been three weeks since we started work on the latest project at York Minster to create a new accessible ramp into the Quire that is not only in-keeping with the fabric of this magnificent building but also improves access to one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals.

Our team have built the compound surrounding the works, and have completed one of the most challenging aspects of this project – lifting the flagstones from the floor. When you visit, you’ll be able to read more about the ongoing works and see our heritage crafters hard at work.

12 January 2026

In early 2026 we will begin the largest building project to take place inside York Minster in over a century. 

We are committed to making this sacred place open, accessible and welcoming to everyone. Central to achieving that goal is a new a new permanent, beautifully designed accessible ramp into the Quire, the beating heart of worship at York Minster. 

Hear from Dean Dominic on why these works are so important and what you can expect to see when you next visit the Minster.

Meet Our Master Mason Emeritus

For nearly five decades, York Minster has been cared for under the guidance of our Master Mason Emeritus, John David.

Responsible for the planning and design of the cathedral’s stonework, John is a true master of his craft. He is our longest-serving member of staff and continues to work to conserve a building he helped to repair 40 years ago, following the devastating fire of 1984 – during which he helped carry precious treasures away from the blaze and later worked tirelessly to restore it to its glory.

Hear from John as he shares his role in caring for York Minster and gives a first-hand account of the 1984 fire.

The Miracles of St William of York

Following the death of William fitzHerbert Archbishop of York, in 1154 he was laid to rest inside York Minster cathedral. Within a few months, miracles were reported at his tomb by those who had come to honour him and pay their respects. In recognition of the miracles reported, William was canonised by Pope Honorius III in 1226.

Across 95 panels of intricately detailed depictions, the St William Window in York Minster tells the story of William and the miracles attributed to him, in what was one of the largest narratives in stained glass ever made in Medieval England.

The First Miracle

William was beloved by the people of York, and his reinstatement to the See of Archbishop in 1154 and return to the city was met with jubilant crowds. So many people came out to cheer and celebrate his return that as he crossed the river the weight of the crowds caused the timbers of Ouse Bridge to give way and collapse.

Large numbers of people were thrown into the river and were at risk of drowning. William, seeing the carnage, prayed to God for those in peril to be saved and he made the sign of the cross over them. All were saved.

This is considered William’s first miracle.

Miracles at the Tomb

Many miracles were reported at the tomb of St William of York where people from all walks of life, rich and poor, young and old, male and female travelled in pilgrimage to honour William and to seek help.

One miracle depicted in the St William Window tells of a woman who inadvertently swallowed a frog and then journeyed to St William’s tomb with her husband where she was cured by throwing it up.

In 1223 a sweet-smelling oil flowed from William’s tomb. The flowing of holy oil was widely regarded as indicating sanctity and, though considered a commonplace saintly phenomenon William is the first English saint recorded to have performed this miracle.

There are numerous accounts of witnessed miracles at the tomb of St William from people who travelled from across the globe seeking help and healing. We can still relate to their concerns today: physical and mental illness, poverty, social injustice, concern for their loved ones, loss and grief. 

Miracles to Protect from Danger

There are numerous reports of St William’s intervention to protect people from danger, from the King to a servant, all attribute their lives being protected to William of York.

Edward I, having accepted an invitation to attend the translation of the relics of Saint William, later has a near-fatal fall from a mountain whilst in Wales. The King was unharmed and he later ascribed his deliverance to have been from St William of York as he had promised to honour him.

A servant to one of the canons at York Minster fell asleep during Matins, whilst resting against the pulpit. A stone column of considerable weight fell on his head. Miraculously the servant is unharmed and he thanked the grace of St William and walked away.

Sailors who were in danger of being shipwrecked, reported that St William appeared in a vision and their ship, which had suffered a broken mast in a storm was protected from running aground on the rocky shore.

As we celebrate 800 years since the canonisation of William as a saint, take the rare opportunity to see pieces from his medieval Nave shrine returned to York Minster for the first time in almost 500 years. Explore his story and see precious artefacts which narrate the life of a man who devoted himself to our city and cathedral.

Plan a visit to our new exhibition. 

All the images included above are panels from the St William Window at York Minster. Panel images above:

• ‘9c The miracle of Ouse Bridge’
• ’17c The woman is cured at the tomb’
• ’20d A servant is hit on the head by a stone’
• ’16e Saint William saves a ship with a broken mast’.

To explore further head to the York Glazier’s Trust Stained Glass Navigator to look closely at each panel and find out more of the miracles attributed to St William.