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What's onVisiting York Minster.
Visit“Our hearts fly back to our splendid brothers who gave their lives […] But where is there any adequate national memorial to those our sisters?”– Helen Little
24 June 2025 marks 100 years since the Five Sisters Window was rededicated to become a memorial to women who died during the First World War. This memorial is the vision of two inspirational women: Helen Little and Almyra Gray. Together, they established Britain’s first and only national memorial to women of the First World War.
The Five Sisters Window is a storied but often overlooked artwork; its grisaille (grey) glass makes it strikingly different to other windows in York Minster. Completed around 1250, the window is made up of five lancets, each over 16 metres high and 1.5 metres wide.
To honour this anniversary, York Minster has created a new programme for 2025: Visions, Voices, Vocations. The programme will honour the vision of the remarkable women who dedicated themselves to remembering the women of the First World War 100 years ago; listen to and value the voices of all we encounter; and reflect on the irreplaceable contribution of women in diverse vocations at the Minster today.
You can explore the full programme below. Please do join us in celebrating and commemorating women in York Minster.
Honouring the vision of women 100 years ago
After finding inspiration in a vision Helen Little had one evening, Helen Little and Almyra Gray led a fundraising campaign to restore the Five Sisters Window and rededicate it as a memorial to women who had died during the First World War.
They worked tirelessly to record the names on a huge oak screen ahead of an unveiling by The Duchess of York (mother of Queen Elizabeth II).
This was a campaign for women, by women.
The Five Sisters Window
Listening to and valuing everyone
“You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger” – James 1:19
York Minster is a thriving church with an active community. The voices of all (spoken and sung!) are listened to and valued here.
There are lots of different ways you can get involved in supporting York Minster now, and into the future.
Get involved
The contributions of women today
York Minster is a unique place, made so not only by the incredible building and setting, but by its people, who contribute positively to achieving the Minster’s mission and uphold its values, and truly care about its future.
Women from all walks of life contribute to work and worship in York Minster. Their roles range from stonemasons and glaziers, to bishops, police officers, and musicians.
Careers at York Minster
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