Kings and Queens of Stonemasonry
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.
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.
Meet A Stonemason
York Minster has been home to a team of stonemasons for more than 800 years.
The skills and techniques employed by the team have been passed down through the centuries as they continue to be responsible for the ongoing care and restoration of the cathedral and its surrounding precinct. Every stone is still cut by hand on site at the Minster using similar types of mallets and chisels as their medieval predecessors possessed.
It has never been more important that these ancient skills are sustained through continuous investment in the next generation of skilled cathedral stonemasons.
Hear from our stonemason, Freya, as she shares what it’s like to be part of the team shaping a lasting legacy at York Minster.
Meet the Gardeners
Our dedicated team of Gardeners diligently tend to York Minster’s seven hectares of green space throughout the year, ensuring every corner thrives in every season.
From Dean’s Park to Minster Gardens and College Green, these tranquil spaces offer a peaceful haven for both wildlife and people; a chance to pause and step away from the city’s busy rhythm. It’s always a joy to see visitors relaxing, exploring, and making the most of these beautiful places.
Find out what caring for these spaces means to the team on the ground.
Meet Our Digital Surveyor
At York Minster, we’re shaping the future of heritage conservation. As a world leader in traditional crafts, we’re committed to pioneering the use of the latest digital technologies to help us protect, preserve and sustain our past.
Luke, our Digital Surveyor, plays a vital role in this transformation. Using high‑precision 3D scanners, he creates incredibly detailed digital models of our centuries‑old masonry, architecture and artefacts. These innovations open the door to new restoration techniques and new ways for people to experience the Minster’s history.
Find out more about how Luke’s work is key to our ongoing conservation and preservation of York Minster and discover more about some of the projects he’s been working on:
Stoneyard Apprentice James Digger
We catch up with first-year apprentice James Digger about life at the Minster and his thoughts on #StoneFest18
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