Pope Honorius III proclaimed William fitzHerbert a saint on 18 March 1226. York Minster is marking the 800th anniversary of this occasion at a service of Choral Evensong, followed by a reception and the launch of a new book exploring the Minster’s iconic St William Window.

Twice Archbishop of York (1141-47, 1153-54), William fitzHerbert’s life was shaped by his faith and devotion, but also political and religious disputes in Europe’s highest courts. Loved by the people of York, William also had enemies. When he died shortly after celebrating Mass in the cathedral, it was rumoured that he had been poisoned.

In death William became something more. Miracles were reported at his tomb in York Minster. Countless people came to his tomb seeking help, hope and healing. In 1226, after reports of his miracles reached the Pope, William was recognised as a saint.

800 years on, the Minster is holding a series of events, exhibitions, and experiences designed to reinvigorate interest in York’s patron saint in a programme titled Crafting a Legacy: 800 Years of York’s Patron Saint. Collaborations with York firms include a new beer with Brew York, a cinematic experience produced by Viridian FX and Hewitt and Walker, and an exhibition with loans from York Museums Trust.

The anniversary service will be sung by the world-renowned Choir of York Minster, with the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, preaching and the Right Reverend Marcus Stock, the Roman Catholic Bishop of Leeds, in attendance. Fittingly, the service will take place on the site of one of St William’s lost shrines, fragments of which have returned to the Minster for the first time in 500 years, thanks to a generous loan from York Museums Trust.

Following the service, a new book exploring the incredible St William Window, one of the greatest surviving English works of art of the late medieval era, will be launched at a reception. Professors Christopher Norton and Sarah Brown, co-authors of The St William Window at York Minster: Rediscovering a Miraculous Narrative, will speak about their new book, and the work by the York Glaziers Trust to conserve it over a period of ten years.

The Very Reverend Dominic Barrington, Dean of York, said: “We have been incredibly moved by the public’s response to this year’s Crafting a Legacy programme. In the first few months we have seen thousands of visitors passing St William’s tomb with a fresh appreciation for not just York’s patron saint, but the art and artistry he inspired that is still very much with us today.

“Therefore, it is entirely fitting that on the 800th anniversary of St William of York’s canonisation, we not only gather in worship, but also to learn of the St William Window, surely one of the most magnificent pieces of stained-glass art found anywhere in the world.

“We really hope you’ll join us in worship or visit us to discover more in the fantastic new exhibition in our Undercroft Museum.”

The service of Choral Evensong commemorating the 800th anniversary of the canonisation of St William of York will take place on Wednesday 18 March at 5.30pm in York Minster’s Nave. All are welcome to attend, no tickets are required.